Jack occasionally goes to work by bicycle where he exhales once per 3.00 sec. If in Jack’s every exhale is 4.50% CO2 (by volume), he exhales a total volume of 4.6 L each time, and it takes Jack 20.0 minutes to bike to work, how many grams of CO2 has he created if the density of CO2 is 1.98 g/L? Is it a “greener activity” to cycle instead of driving a car?

Question

Jack occasionally goes to work by bicycle where he exhales once per 3.00 sec. If in Jack’s every exhale is 4.50% CO2 (by volume), he exhales a total volume of 4.6 L each time, and it takes Jack 20.0 minutes to bike to work, how many grams of CO2 has he created if the density of CO2 is 1.98 g/L?  Is it a “greener activity” to cycle instead of driving a car?

DrBob222 · Answer

20 min x (60 sec/min) = 120 seconds.
4.6 L/exhale x (1 exhale/3 sec) = 1.533 L/sec.
1.533 L/sec x 120 sec = 184 L.
184L x (0.045 LCO2/L) = 8.28 L CO2
Use mass = volume x density to convert to grams CO2.
I don't know how much CO2 is evolved if Jack drives to work but I suspect cycling is greener.

rachel · Answer

1200 seconds not 120 seconds?

Rachel · Answer

Can you reply? I know this was years ago. Anyone know if she meant 1200? I have a course work due in by 15th and I need to know if I go with big numbers or her way?