Calculating Oxygen Cylinder Duration

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the duration of an oxygen cylinder used in a hospital, given its pressure, volume, and a constant flow rate. The subject area includes gas laws and fluid dynamics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between the gas under pressure and its equivalent volume at atmospheric pressure. There are attempts to apply the ideal gas law and flow rate equations, with some questioning the simplicity of direct calculations.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of the problem. Some guidance has been offered regarding the use of the ideal gas law, but there is no explicit consensus on the approach to take.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of the gas being delivered at atmospheric pressure and the potential need for calculus, although the context suggests it may be a basic physics problem.

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Homework Statement



A standard cylinder of oxygen used in a hospital has gauge pressure = 2.0E3 psi (1.38E4 kPa) and
volume = 16 L (0.016 m3) at T = 295 K. How long will the cylinder last if the flow rate, measured at atmospheric pressure, is
constant at 1.8 L/min?


Homework Equations



PV=nRT
n=m/M
flowrate=volume/time

The Attempt at a Solution



I assume it's not as simple as 16/1.8?

I used PV=(m/M)RT to solve for mass, but that got me no where.
 
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The gas in the cylinder is under pressure. So it is equivalent to many more liters at atomospheric pressure. Find out how many and then it is as simple as you think.
 
Dick said:
The gas in the cylinder is under pressure. So it is equivalent to many more liters at atomospheric pressure. Find out how many and then it is as simple as you think.

So nRT is constant correct?

So (PV)_inside=(PV)_outside?

(1.38*10^4kPa)(.016m^3)=(P_atmosphere)(V)

Solve for V, then use that in t=V/flowrate?

Thanks,
Brandon
 
you may have to use calculus to solve this
 
proton said:
you may have to use calculus to solve this

No, it's the lowest level physics class.
 
bpw91284 said:
No, it's the lowest level physics class.

Right. Just assume the gas is delivered at atmospheric pressure and outside temperature.
 

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