Columbia Encyclopedia

Search results

500 results found

oil gas

(Encyclopedia)oil gas, any of a group of fuel gases produced from oil by exposing it to high temperatures. High-Btu oil gas is so called because of its high heating value; it is often used to supplement natural gas...

water gas

(Encyclopedia)water gas, colorless poisonous gas that burns with an intensely hot, bluish (nearly colorless) flame. The gas is a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen with very small amounts of other gases, e.g.,...

sneeze gas

(Encyclopedia)sneeze gas, poison gas used in riot control and chemical warfare. It is highly irritating to the nose and throat; inhalation of the substance causes sneezing and coughing, but rarely causes permanent ...

coal gas

(Encyclopedia)coal gas, gas obtained in the destructive distillation of soft coal, as a byproduct in the preparation of coke. Its composition varies, but in general it is made up largely of hydrogen and methane wit...

gas mask

(Encyclopedia)gas mask, face covering or device used to protect the wearer from injurious gases and other noxious materials by filtering and purifying inhaled air. In addition to military use (see chemical warfare)...

blister gas

(Encyclopedia)blister gas: see poison gas.

tear gas

(Encyclopedia)tear gas, gas that causes temporary blindness through the excessive flow of tears resulting from irritation of the eyes. The gas is used in chemical warfare and as a means for dispersing mobs. Compoun...

ideal gas

(Encyclopedia)ideal gas: see gas laws; kinetic-molecular theory of gases. ...

marsh gas

(Encyclopedia)marsh gas: see methane.

laughing gas

(Encyclopedia)laughing gas: see nitrous oxide. ...