Question

Sodium peroxide is uscd to purify the air in submarimes and confirmed spaces because (1) it decomposcs to form \(\mathrm{Na}_{2} \mathrm{O}\) and \(\mathrm{O}_{2}\) (2) it removes \(\mathrm{CO}_{2}\) and produce \(\mathrm{O}_{2}\) (3) it reacts with oxygen to form sodium superoxide (4) it kills the bacteria in air

Short answer

Option (2): It removes CO2 and produces O2.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the Given Options

Review the given options to understand their significance: (1) It decomposes to form \(\text{Na}_2\text{O}\) and \(\text{O}_2\), (2) It removes \(\text{CO}_2\) and produces \(\text{O}_2\), (3) It reacts with oxygen to form sodium superoxide, (4) It kills bacteria in the air.

Analyze Each Option

Determine the validity of each statement based on chemical reactions and properties of sodium peroxide: \(\text{Na}_2\text{O}_2\).

Check the Decomposition Reaction

Analyze option (1): \(\text{Na}_2\text{O}_2 \rightarrow \text{Na}_2\text{O} + \text{O}_2\). This statement is correct but it does not describe why it purifies air.

Evaluate the CO2 Removal and O2 Production

Analyze option (2): \(\text{Na}_2\text{O}_2 + \text{CO}_2 \rightarrow \text{Na}_2\text{CO}_3 + \text{O}_2\). This reaction explains how sodium peroxide purifies air by removing \(\text{CO}_2\) and generating \(\text{O}_2\).

Consider the Reaction with Oxygen

Analyze option (3): This involves forming sodium superoxide when reacting with oxygen, which is not related to air purification directly.

Verify the Bacteria Killing Hypothesis

Analyze option (4): While it might have some antibacterial properties, this is not the primary reason it purifies air.

Conclusion

Combine all the information from previous steps: Option (2) is the most relevant, as it directly explains how sodium peroxide purifies air by removing \(\text{CO}_2\) and producing \(\text{O}_2\).

Key concepts

sodium peroxide reactions

Sodium peroxide (\text{Na}_2\text{O}_2) is involved in several chemical reactions important for air purification. One of the key reactions is the decomposition of sodium peroxide into sodium oxide (\text{Na}_2\text{O}) and oxygen (\text{O}_2):
\[\text{Na}_2\text{O}_2 \rightarrow \text{Na}_2\text{O} + \text{O}_2 \]
This reaction, while producing oxygen, does not directly contribute to air purification. However, it is noteworthy because the oxygen generated here can be utilized to sustain life in enclosed spaces like submarines.

removal of carbon dioxide

A critical aspect of air purification in confined environments is dealing with carbon dioxide (\text{CO}_2) buildup. Sodium peroxide excels at removing \text{CO}_2} through a significant chemical reaction:
\[\text{Na}_2\text{O}_2 + \text{CO}_2 \rightarrow \text{Na}_2\text{CO}_3 + \text{O}_2 \]
In this reaction, sodium peroxide reacts with carbon dioxide to form sodium carbonate (\text{Na}_2\text{CO}_3}) and oxygen (\text{O}_2). By transforming \text{CO}_2} into \text{Na}_2\text{CO}_3, it effectively reduces the concentration of this gas in the air, which is otherwise harmful in high amounts.

production of oxygen

The production of oxygen is another vital function that sodium peroxide serves in air purification. The decomposition of sodium peroxide not only clears carbon dioxide but also generates oxygen:
\[\text{Na}_2\text{O}_2 \rightarrow \text{Na}_2\text{O} + \text{O}_2 \]
Beyond this, the reaction with carbon dioxide also releases oxygen:
\[\text{Na}_2\text{O}_2 + \text{CO}_2 \rightarrow \text{Na}_2\text{CO}_3 + \text{O}_2 \]
Both reactions ensure a consistent supply of oxygen, which is crucial for breathing in submarine and other confined spaces.

chemical air purification

Chemical air purification involves using chemical reactions to remove impurities and produce clean air. In submarines, sodium peroxide plays a pivotal role in this process.
The primary mechanism is its reaction with carbon dioxide to form an innocuous compound and release oxygen:
\[\text{Na}_2\text{O}_2 + \text{CO}_2 \rightarrow \text{Na}_2\text{CO}_3 + \text{O}_2 \]
This dual-action response, both removing \text{CO}_2} and generating \text{O}_2}, makes sodium peroxide an effective substance for maintaining a breathable atmosphere in confined environments. This process is fundamental to ensuring the health and safety of people in spaces like submarines.