A saturated solution of carbon dioxide in water contains 3.00 g of CO₂ when the CO₂ partial pressure is 8.0 atm. What mass of CO₂ will escape if the partial pressure is lowered to 3.2 atm? A)0.90 g B)1.20 g C)1.40 g D)1.80 g E)2.20 g

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The solubility of a gas in a liquid is directly proportional to the pressure of the gas above the liquid, according to Henry's Law. When the pressure is reduced from 8.0 atm to 3.2 atm, it becomes 3.2/8.0 = 0.4 times its original pressure. Therefore, the new amount of CO2 that can remain dissolved in water is 3.00 g * 0.4 = 1.20 g. The mass of CO2 that will escape is the original mass minus the new mass, which is 3.00 g - 1.20 g = 1.80 g.

A Saturated Solution of Carbon Dioxide in Water Contains 3