Assuming that one exhales pure carbon dioxide (relative mass number approximately 44)what mass of carbon dioxide does an average person exhale in one year,assuming a breathing rate of 12 breaths per minute,and a volume of 0.50 liters per breath? A)1.2 * 10⁴ kg B)6.2 * 10³ kg C)3.1 * 10³ kg D)1.4 * 10² kg

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

First, calculate the total volume of CO2 exhaled in a year: 12 breaths/minute * 60 minutes/hour * 24 hours/day * 365 days/year * 0.50 liters/breath = 2,628,000 liters/year. The density of CO2 at standard temperature and pressure is approximately 1.977 kg/m^3, and 1 m^3 = 1000 liters, so the mass of CO2 exhaled is 2,628,000 liters * (1.977 kg/m^3 / 1000 liters/m^3) = 5195.556 kg/year. However, this calculation does not directly lead to the options provided, indicating a misunderstanding in the approach based on the options given. The correct approach involves understanding the molar mass of CO2 and the volume of gas per mole at standard conditions. A more accurate approach involves calculating the number of moles of CO2 exhaled per breath and then per year, using the ideal gas law or standard molar volume (22.4 L at STP for one mole of any gas, but this varies slightly with temperature and pressure, and the volume per mole at body temperature is approximately 24 L). Given the simplification in the question and the options provided, it seems there's an expectation to simplify the calculation, possibly by directly converting exhaled volume to mass using the molar mass of CO2 and an approximation of the volume of CO2 produced per breath. Given the options and the need for a simplified explanation: Assuming each breath exhales 0.50 liters of CO2, and given the molar mass of CO2 is approximately 44 g/mol, we would need to calculate the total mass exhaled based on the volume exhaled per year. However, without directly calculating through these steps, none of the detailed calculations provided exactly match the options, suggesting a need for clarification or a simplified assumption in the calculation process.The correct choice, based on the options provided and assuming a simplified direct calculation or an error in the detailed calculation explanation, points towards an approximation or a specific calculation method intended by the question that isn't fully detailed in the response. The choice B seems to be the closest to a plausible annual mass of CO2 exhaled by an average person, assuming a simplified or specific calculation method not fully explored in the response.

Assuming That One Exhales Pure Carbon Dioxide (Relative Mass Number