Approximatly 5% of each exhaled breath is carbon dioxide

AI Thread Summary
Approximately 5% of each exhaled breath consists of carbon dioxide, with normal lung capacity estimated at half a liter. To find the mass difference between inhaled and exhaled breaths, one must calculate the amount of oxygen converted to carbon dioxide during respiration. The discussion highlights the need to determine the weights of these gases using their molar masses. Participants express uncertainty about the calculations and the necessary steps to arrive at the solution. Understanding the conversion of oxygen to carbon dioxide is crucial for solving the problem.
matt_crouch
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Homework Statement



In normal breathing conditions approximatly 5% of each exhaled breath is carbon dioxide. Given this informartion and neglecting any difference in water-vapor content estimate the typical difference in mass between an inhaled breath and an exhaled breath. assume one lungs capacity is about half a litre and that 20 % of the air that is breathed in is oxygen.


Homework Equations



n=m/mr

The Attempt at a Solution



not really sure where to start for this one
 
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It tells you how much oxygen is breathed in on each breath
5% of the total amount of air is turned into CO2
So work out how much oxygen is turned into CO2

Then we can work out how much this volume of O2 and CO2 weigh
 


How do you work out how much the volume of these gases weigh? Would you need to look up extra information such as molar mass of 02 and C02?
 


mgb_phys said:
It tells you how much oxygen is breathed in on each breath
5% of the total amount of air is turned into CO2
So work out how much oxygen is turned into CO2

Then we can work out how much this volume of O2 and CO2 weigh

1/4 of the O2 is turned into CO2 and I'm not sure what i have to do now?
 

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