Final answer:
A reasonable Oxygen concentration for free flow oxygen is around 95-100%, which aligns with normal pulse oximeter readings. The curve on a graph of oxygen saturation levels off around a partial pressure of 60 mmHg, indicating near full saturation. Safety and proper gas laws must be considered when handling medical oxygen tanks.
Step-by-step explanation:
A reasonable Oxygen concentration to begin free flow oxygen is typically around 95-100 percent, as normal pulse oximeter readings are in this range. When oxygen saturates hemoglobin in a characteristic S-shaped curve, the curve levels off around a partial pressure of 60 mmHg, indicating that the hemoglobin is nearly fully saturated and additional increases in partial pressure will not significantly increase oxygen saturation. For medical oxygen contained in tanks at high pressure, as they release into the atmosphere, the oxygen expands and becomes available for ventilation at normal pressure.
In regards to medical oxygen tanks, a cylinder with a volume of 35.4 L at 151 atm and 25 °C will have its volume adjusted once it is returned to normal body conditions of 1 atm and 37 °C, as prescribed by the gas laws. Safety is also a key consideration when discussing oxygen levels since low oxygen conditions can be dangerous and present without obvious symptoms, as the sensation of needing to breathe is influenced more by carbon dioxide levels than oxygen depletion.