At sea level, atmospheric pressure is 760 mm Hg. Oxygen gas is approximately 21% of the total gases in the atmosphere, so the approximate partial pressure of oxygen is
A) 0.2 mm Hg.
B) 20.0 mm Hg.
C) 76.0 mm Hg.
D) 160.0 mm Hg.
E) 508.0 mm Hg.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The partial pressure of oxygen in the atmosphere can be calculated by multiplying the total atmospheric pressure by the fraction of oxygen in the atmosphere. Since the atmospheric pressure at sea level is 760 mm Hg and oxygen makes up approximately 21% of the atmosphere, the partial pressure of oxygen is 0.21 * 760 mm Hg = 159.6 mm Hg, which rounds to 160.0 mm Hg.

At Sea Level, Atmospheric Pressure Is 760 Mm Hg