Question about movie "The Martian"

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The discussion centers on the scientific accuracy of the movie "The Martian," specifically regarding the decomposition of hydrazine over rhodium and the potential for displacement asphyxiation due to nitrogen release. Participants confirm that hydrazine is indeed toxic and question whether Mark Watney would have suffocated from nitrogen while producing water for his soil. The conversation also highlights the role of the "air plant" in regulating atmospheric elements, suggesting that it mitigated the risks associated with nitrogen buildup.

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  • Understanding of hydrazine chemistry and its toxicity
  • Knowledge of catalytic decomposition processes, particularly involving rhodium
  • Familiarity with displacement asphyxiation concepts
  • Basic principles of atmospheric regulation in closed environments
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Scientists, engineers, and enthusiasts interested in space exploration, chemical safety, and the scientific principles depicted in films like "The Martian."

Savage1701
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Yeah, yeah, it's just a movie, but I was still wondering:

1. Would hydrazine decompose completely when dripped over rhodium, as Mark Watney did in the movie? That stuff is really toxic even in tiny amounts, isn't it?

2. Wouldn't Watney have died from displacement asphyxiation ? He was decomposing so much hydrazine to make all that water he needed for his soil; wouldn't he have suffocated from all the excess nitrogen he would have been liberating along with the hydrogen?

Just curious...
 
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I don't remember him commenting on that. Have you read the book? You can download it for free online, Andy put it up in various formats for free before going with Amazon.
 
Savage1701 said:
Yeah, yeah, it's just a movie, but I was still wondering:

1. Would hydrazine decompose completely when dripped over rhodium, as Mark Watney did in the movie? That stuff is really toxic even in tiny amounts, isn't it?

2. Wouldn't Watney have died from displacement asphyxiation ? He was decomposing so much hydrazine to make all that water he needed for his soil; wouldn't he have suffocated from all the excess nitrogen he would have been liberating along with the hydrogen?

Just curious...
Regarding the nitrogen, the "air plant" regulated the amounts of the main elements in the air, nitrogen/oxygen/carbon dioxide.
 

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