Question

Which one is used as an air purifier in spacecraft? (a) Potassium super oxide (b) Anhydrous \(\mathrm{CaCl}_{2}\) (c) Quick lime (d) Slake lime

Short answer

Potassium superoxide is used as an air purifier in spacecraft.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Question

To solve this question, we need to determine which substance from the given options is used to purify air in spacecraft settings. Each option is a chemical compound: (a) Potassium superoxide, (b) Anhydrous \(\mathrm{CaCl}_{2}\), (c) Quick lime, and (d) Slake lime.

Evaluating Potassium Superoxide

Potassium superoxide (\(\mathrm{KO}_{2}\)) is known to react with carbon dioxide and water, producing oxygen and potassium carbonate. This makes it useful in confined environments like spacecraft where it can serve to both absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen.

Evaluating Other Options

- Anhydrous \(\mathrm{CaCl}_{2}\) is mainly used as a drying agent for absorbing moisture, not as an air purifier.- Quick lime (\(\mathrm{CaO}\)) generally serves in industrial processes like metallurgy, but not as an air purifier.- Slake lime (\(\mathrm{Ca(OH)}_{2}\)) is used to treat acidity but does not provide breathable air or remove carbon dioxide effectively.

Selecting the Correct Answer

Based on the chemical properties and the needs specific to air purification in spacecraft, potassium superoxide is the correct choice. It effectively removes carbon dioxide and supplies oxygen in the process.

Key concepts

Potassium Superoxide

Potassium superoxide (\(\mathrm{KO}_{2}\)) is an exceptional compound used primarily in enclosed environments, such as spacecraft. Its unique ability to chemically react with carbon dioxide makes it invaluable for purifying air. When \(\mathrm{KO}_{2}\) comes in contact with carbon dioxide (\(\mathrm{CO}_{2}\)) and moisture, a chemical reaction occurs producing oxygen (\(\mathrm{O}_{2}\)) and potassium carbonate (\(\mathrm{K}_{2}\mathrm{CO}_{3}\)). This is a crucial reaction in space travel, where natural air-moderating resources are not available.

• Potassium superoxide acts as a dual-function agent, removing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen simultaneously.
• This dual behavior helps maintain a breathable atmosphere for astronauts.

Given its efficiency, potassium superoxide is a preferred choice in the restricted environments of spacecraft, ensuring that occupants have a continuous supply of oxygen.

Chemical Reactions with CO2

Chemical reactions involving carbon dioxide are essential in various industrial and environmental processes. In the context of space exploration, these reactions are critical for maintaining life-support systems. When \(\mathrm{KO}_{2}\) reacts with \(\mathrm{CO}_{2}\), the chemical process not only removes the exhaled carbon dioxide from the air but also produces additional oxygen for the crew.

• The fundamental reaction: \[\mathrm{4KO_2 + 2CO_2 + 2H_2O \rightarrow 4K_2CO_3 + 3O_2}\]
• This reaction shows the conversion of carbon dioxide and water to oxygen, using potassium superoxide.

Such reactions are pivotal in ensuring sustainable living conditions within spacecraft.

Spacecraft Environmental Control

Spacecraft environmental control systems are essential for maintaining a habitable atmosphere. They regulate temperature, pressure, and air composition within the craft, crucial for astronaut health and safety. A challenging aspect is managing air quality, where efficient removal of \(\mathrm{CO}_{2}\) and the supply of sufficient oxygen are vital.Utilizing potassium superoxide in air purification processes is an effective strategy for controlling carbon dioxide levels while simultaneously generating fresh oxygen.

• Systems incorporating \(\mathrm{KO}_{2}\) use the chemical reactions to manage air quality.
• Automation ensures these systems efficiently balance oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production.

Through smart design and chemical technology, spacecraft environmental control systems ensure a breathable atmosphere throughout long-duration missions, enabling safe and efficient human space exploration.