Final answer:
The partial pressure of nitrogen when the total atmospheric pressure is 97.5 kPa is found by multiplying the mole fraction of nitrogen (0.78084) by the total pressure (97.5 kPa), resulting in approximately 76.13 kPa.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question relates to the calculation of the partial pressure of nitrogen in the air at sea level. The mole fraction of nitrogen in dry air is given as 0.78084, and the total atmospheric pressure is 97.5 kPa. To find the partial pressure of nitrogen, we use the formula:
Partial pressure of a gas = Mole fraction of the gas × Total atmospheric pressure
Substituting the given values, we get:
Partial pressure of nitrogen = 0.78084 × 97.5 kPa
After calculating this, we find the partial pressure to be approximately 76.13 kPa, which corresponds to option (a).