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Multiple Choice
The concentration of which gas is higher in exhaled air than in inhaled air?
A
Argon ($ext{Ar}$)
B
Carbon dioxide ($ext{CO}_2$)
C
Nitrogen ($ext{N}_2$)
D
Oxygen ($ext{O}_2$)
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the composition of inhaled air: Inhaled air primarily contains nitrogen (approximately 78%), oxygen (approximately 21%), and trace amounts of other gases like argon and carbon dioxide.
Recognize the process of gas exchange in the lungs: During respiration, oxygen ($\text{O}_2$) is absorbed into the bloodstream, and carbon dioxide ($\text{CO}_2$) is released from the bloodstream into the lungs.
Compare the composition of exhaled air: Exhaled air contains less oxygen ($\text{O}_2$) because it is used in cellular respiration, and more carbon dioxide ($\text{CO}_2$) because it is a waste product of metabolism.
Analyze the role of other gases: The concentration of nitrogen ($\text{N}_2$) and argon ($\text{Ar}$) remains relatively unchanged between inhaled and exhaled air because these gases are not involved in the respiratory process.
Conclude that the concentration of carbon dioxide ($\text{CO}_2$) is higher in exhaled air compared to inhaled air due to its production during cellular respiration.