Question

$K{O_2}$ (potassium superoxide) is used in oxygen cylinders in space and submarines because it:
(A) Absorbs $C{O_2}$
(B) Produces ozone
(C) Eliminates moisture
(D) Absorbs $C{O_2}$ and increases ${O_2}$ content

Answer 1

Potassium superoxide is a yellow coloured inorganic compound. It is formed by burning of molten potassium in the presence of oxygen.
$K + {O_2} \to K{O_2}$
It is used as a water dehumidifier, carbon dioxide scrubber and oxygen generator.

Complete step by step answer:
Potassium superoxide ($K{O_2}$) is used in oxygen cylinders in space and submarines because it acts as an oxygen generator. It absorbs the $C{O_2}$ and increases the ${O_2}$ content.
This can be shown by the equation:
$4K{O_2} + 2C{O_2} \to 2{K_2}C{O_3} + 3{O_2}$
As we can see in the equation, $C{O_2}$ is getting absorbed by $K{O_2}$ and oxygen is produced.
In places like space or inside submarines underwater, the level of oxygen is very low and oxygen cylinders are used. Increasing the efficiency of these oxygen cylinders will help the cylinder to last longer.
The Russian space agency successfully used potassium superoxide ($K{O_2}$) in oxygen cylinders or generators for space suits and space crafts.
One mole of potassium superoxide produces $0.75$ moles of ${O_2}$ by absorbing $0.5$ moles of $C{O_2}$. Thus, the $C{O_2}$ exhaled by the person can further be reused to make more oxygen for breathing.
Not only in submarines and scape, potassium superoxide containing oxygen cylinders are also used by scuba divers for underwater swimming. It is also used by the workers in mines as the oxygen level in mines is also very low.
Hence, the answer is option (D) i.e absorbs $C{O_2}$ and increases ${O_2}$.

Note:
Potassium superoxide is good to use in oxygen cylinders, but it is also a potent explosive. If $K{O_2}$ is mixed with acids, water or graphite, then it can do explosive reactions.
Also, $K{O_2}$ is an oxidant and is used to convert oxides compounds into peroxides or oxygen molecules.
$2K{O_2} + 2{H_2}O \to 2KOH + {H_2}{O_2} + {O_2}$.