Analyzing the Volume of Gases Delivered by a 3-Liter Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguisher at NTP

In the realm of fire safety, efficient and effective fire extinguishers are paramount. This article will delve into the gas volume calculations involved in a 3-liter carbon dioxide fire extinguisher at Normal Temperature and Pressure (NTP). By employing the ideal gas law and understanding the properties of carbon dioxide at NTP, we can quantify the total volume of gas available for firefighting purposes.

Understanding the Composition and Calculation

The 3-liter carbon dioxide (CO2) fire extinguisher typically contains 4.4 kg of carbon dioxide gas. First, we need to convert the mass of CO2 into moles to calculate the total volume at NTP.

Step 1: Determine the Moles of CO2

The molar mass of CO2 is calculated as follows:

CO2 1 x 12.011 (carbon) 2 x 15.999 (oxygen) 44.009 g/mol

To find the number of moles of CO2 present:

Number of moles mass of gas / molar mass of gas 4400 g / 44.009 g/mol ≈ 99.98 moles

Step 2: Calculate the Volume of CO2 at NTP

At NTP (Normal Temperature and Pressure), the molar volume of an ideal gas is approximately 22.4 liters/mol. Therefore, the volume of CO2 that the extinguisher can deliver can be calculated as follows:

Volume of CO2 number of moles × molar volume 99.98 moles × 22.4 L/mol ≈ 2240 L

Interpreting the Results

The 3-liter carbon dioxide fire extinguisher can therefore deliver approximately 2240 liters of gas at NTP conditions. This is an important consideration for fire safety professionals and users to ensure that they have sufficient gas volume to effectively extinguish fires.

Homework Question and Challenges

Now, let's take it a step further. Think about a 3-liter fire extinguisher and the 4.4 kg of CO2 it contains. First, calculate the molar mass of CO2. Then, determine the number of moles of CO2 in the fire extinguisher. Lastly, use the ideal gas law (PV nRT) to find the volume of CO2 at NTP.

For a hint, remember that at NTP, an ideal gas has a volume of approximately 22.4 liters/mole. You can use this information along with the given mass of CO2 to find the total volume. Finally, subtract the volume of the fire extinguisher (3 liters) to find the usable gas volume. This exercise will help you apply the ideal gas law in a practical scenario.

Conclusion

Understanding the volume of gases delivered by a carbon dioxide fire extinguisher at NTP is crucial for ensuring effective fire suppression. The example provided illustrates how to use basic principles in chemistry and physics to solve real-world problems, highlighting the importance of accurate calculations in fire safety applications.