What is the approximate percentage and partial pressure of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the atmosphere at sea level?

Prepare for your Medical Gas Administration Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get ready to succeed!

The correct choice indicates that the approximate percentage of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the atmosphere at sea level is about 0.04%, which corresponds to a partial pressure of approximately 0.3 mmHg. This understanding is grounded in the composition of the Earth's atmosphere.

At sea level, the total atmospheric pressure is about 760 mmHg. The concentration of CO₂ in the atmosphere is relatively low compared to other gases such as nitrogen and oxygen. Thus, when calculating the partial pressure of CO₂, which refers to the pressure that CO₂ would exert if it occupied the entire volume alone, we multiply the percentage concentration by the total atmospheric pressure.

For instance, given that CO₂ makes up about 0.04% of the atmosphere:

  • The calculation would be: 0.0004 (percentage as a decimal) × 760 mmHg = approximately 0.304 mmHg, which rounds close to 0.3 mmHg.

This understanding of atmospheric gases is essential for various medical and environmental applications, including respiratory physiology and the monitoring of atmospheric changes, particularly in studies assessing climate change and its impact on health.

Other options present much higher percentages and partial pressures that do not reflect actual atmospheric conditions, which may lead to

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