Question

Assume a scuba diver is working at a depth where the total pressure is 5.0 atm (about 50 m below the surface). What mole fraction of oxygen is necessary in order for the partial pressure of oxygen in the gas mixture the diver breathes to be 0.210 atm?

Answer 1

Answer: 0.042

Step-by-step explanation:

The partial pressure of a gas is given by Raoult's law, which is:

`p=p_T* \chi`

where,

`p_A` = partial pressure of oxygen = 0.210 atm

`p_T` = total pressure = 5.0 atm

`\chi_A` = mole fraction of oxygen = ?

Putting values in above equation, we get:

`0.210=5.0* \chi`

`\chi =0.042`

Hence, the mole fraction of oxygen necessary in order for the partial pressure of oxygen in the gas mixture the diver breathes to be 0.210 atm is 0.042.