Poisonous carbon monoxide can be produced by furnaces in basements if the combustion and exhaust are not complete. Calculate the density of carbon monoxide in g/L at 292 K and 1.00 atm of pressure to determine whether it is more or less dense than air. If it is more dense, it will remain in the basement; if it is less dense it will rise to the upper levels of the house. The density of dry air is 1.20 g/L.

The Density of carbon monoxide is 1.17g/L. It is less dense than dry air which has a density of 1.20 g/L.

Therefore, the carbon monoxide will rise to the upper level of the house.

Explanation:

Step 1:

Data obtained from the question. This includes the following:

Temperature (T) = 292 K

Pressure (P) = 1 atm

Density of carbon monoxide = ?

Density of air = ?

Step 2:

Obtaining an expression for the density. This is illustrated below:

From the ideal gas equation:

PV = nRT (1)

Recall:

Number of mole (n) = mass (m) / molar mass (M)

n = m/M

Substitute the value of n into equation 1.

PV = nRT

PV = mRT/M

Divide both side by P

V = mRT/MP

Divide both side by m

V/m = RT/MP

Invert the equation

m/V = MP/RT (2)

Recall:

Density (ρ) = mass (m) / volume (V)

ρ = m/V

Replacing m/V with ρ in equation 2

m/V = MP/RT

ρ = MP/RT

Where R is the gas constant (0.082atm. L/Kmol)

M is Molar Mass of CO (12 + 16 = 28g/mol)

Step 3:

Determination of the density of carbon monoxide. The density of carbon monoxide can be obtained as follow:

T = 292 K

P = 1 atm

R = 0.082atm. L/Kmol

M = 28g/mol

Density (ρ) = ?

ρ = MP/RT

ρ = (28 x 1) / (0.082 x 292)

ρ = 1.17g/L

The Density of carbon monoxide is 1.17g/L. It is less dense than dry air which has a density of 1.20 g/L.

Therefore, the carbon monoxide will rise to the upper level of the house