Question

As one moves up in altitude, the atmospheric pressure decreases. In Vail, Colorado (altitude 8022 ft or 2445 m), the atmospheric pressure is approximately 570 mmHg. What would the partial pressure of oxygen be in Vail?

Answer 1

Answer:

120 mm Hg

Explanation:

Given that,  

Height = 8022 ft/2445 m

Atmospheric pressure = 570 mm Hg

In order to calculate the partial pressure of oxygen, at first, it is required to calculate the mole fraction of Oxygen.

Mole fraction of Oxygen = % of Oxygen in the air

                                         = 20.95 % = 0.2095

Now, we know that,

⇒ Partial pressure of oxygen = Total pressure × mole fraction of Oxygen

                                                = 570 × 0.2095

                                                = 119.415 mm Hg

Therefore, the partial pressure of oxygen in Vail is approximately 120 mm Hg.