A particular kind of emergency breathing apparatus—often placed in mines, caves, or other places where oxygen might become depleted or where the air might become poisoned—works via the following chemical reaction:

Notice that the reaction produces O₂, which can be breathed, and absorbs CO₂, a product of respiration. Suppose you work for a company interested in producing a self-rescue breathing apparatus (based on the given reaction) that would allow the user to survive for 10 minutes in an emergency situation. What are the important chemical considerations in designing such a unit? Estimate how much KO₂ would be required for the apparatus.

(Find any necessary additional information—such as human breathing rates—from appropriate sources. Assume that normal air is 20% oxygen.)

Transcribed Image Text:

4 KO₂ (s) + 2 CO₂(8) 2 K₂CO3(s) + 3 0₂ (8)