Igcse Model Questions Vol1 2023 Biology Question 38

Practice objective / multiple choice question 38 from the 2023 Igcse Model Questions Vol1 Biology examination.

Igcse Model Questions Vol1 2023 Biology Objective / Multiple Choice Medium Difficulty
Question 38 IGCSE_MODEL_QUESTIONS_VOL1 • 2023 • BIOLOGY • objective

Oxygen (\(O_{2}\)) and carbon dioxide (\(CO_{2}\)) diffuse across the alveolar membrane, which is 0.5 µm thick. Their diffusion coefficients are \(D_{O_{2}} = 2.1 \times 10^{-5}\) cm\(^2\) s\(^{-1}\) and \(D_{CO_{2}} = 1.9 \times 10^{-5}\) cm\(^2\) s\(^{-1}\). The partial‑pressure differences driving diffusion are \(\Delta P_{O_{2}} = 100\) mmHg and \(\Delta P_{CO_{2}} = 40\) mmHg. Using Fick's law (rate \(\propto D\,\Delta P / \text{thickness}\)), determine which gas diffuses faster and calculate the factor by which its rate exceeds the other.

Answer Options

A. Oxygen diffuses faster, at roughly 3.5 times the rate of carbon dioxide.
B. Oxygen diffuses faster, at roughly 1.5 times the rate of carbon dioxide.
Correct Answer C. Oxygen diffuses faster, at roughly 2.8 times the rate of carbon dioxide.
D. Carbon dioxide diffuses faster, at roughly 2.8 times the rate of oxygen.
Correct Answer
C
Correct Option:
Oxygen diffuses faster, at roughly 2.8 times the rate of carbon dioxide.

About This Question

This is Igcse Model Questions Vol1 2023 Biology Question 38. It is one of the objective questions from the 2023 Igcse Model Questions Vol1 Biology examination.

Difficulty level: Medium .

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