Question

$KO _{2}$ (potassium superoxide) is used in oxygen cylinders in space and submarines because of it

• A. absorbs $CO_2$
• B. produces ozone
• C. eliminates moisture
• D. absorbs $CO_2$ and increases $O_2$ content

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

absorbs $CO_2$ and increases $O_2$ content

Answer 2

$4KO_2 + 2CO_2 \rightarrow 2K_2CO_3 + 3O_2$ Although $KO _{2}$ also reacts with moisture of the breath and does not completely eliminate it. $4 KO _{2}+2 H _{2} O \longrightarrow 4 KOH +3 O _{2}$ or $4 KO _{2}+4 CO _{2}+2 H _{2} O \longrightarrow 4 KHCO _{3}+3 O _{2}$