Final answer:
The partial pressure of O₂ in room air at sea level is 158.84 mm Hg, calculated using the equation P = (Patm) X (percent content in mixture), and for CO₂, it is 0.3 mm Hg.
Step-by-step explanation:
The way to find the partial pressures of O2 and CO2 in room air is by using the equation P = (Patm) X (percent content in mixture). For oxygen, dry air contains 20.9% O2, and the total atmospheric pressure at sea level (Patm) is commonly considered to be 760 mm Hg. To calculate the partial pressure of oxygen (Po2), you would multiply the percentage content by the atmospheric pressure:
Po2 = (760 mm Hg) X (0.209) = 158.84 mm Hg
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is found in much smaller amounts, 0.04%. The partial pressure of carbon dioxide (Pco2) is calculated similarly:
Pco2 = (760 mm Hg) X (0.0004) = 0.3 mm Hg.