CHAPTER 8 – THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM Inhaled air and exhaled air
The composition of the substances in the air we breathe in and the air we breathe out are different. This is due to the exchange of gases that takes place at the alveoli. The following table represents the percentage of each substance in inhaled air and exhaled air:
Oxygen
Carbon dioxide Water vapour Nitrogen
Inhaled air (%) 21
0.04
Variable 78
Exhaled air (%) 16 4
Variable but more than inhaled air 78
EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION 8.1 How can we test for carbon dioxide in inhaled and exhaled air?
Equipment Droppers Limewater
Method
1. Use a dropper to place equal volumes of limewater into the two test tubes.
2. Place straws into the rubber bungs and place the rubber bungs in both tubes, as shown in Fig. 8.5.
SAFETY • Do not drink the limewater.
3. Observe the limewater in both tubes and record how clear or milky it is. 4. Breathe in through straw A and breathe out through straw B. Continue for 3 minutes.
5. Observe the limewater in both tubes and record how clear or milky it is. Record your observations.
Straw A (Breathe in) Rubber bung Plastic straws Straw B (Breathe out)
2 test tubes Plastic straws
Two-holed rubber bungs
Limewater
:Fig. 8.5 To test for carbon dioxide in inhaled and exhaled air j Go to page 12 of your Experimental Investigations Log to write up this investigation.