What is the specific volume of 1kg of CO₂?

• A. 0.509m³
• B. 11.17m³
• C. 0.840m³
• D. 1.25m³

Answer: (A)

The specific volume of a substance is defined as the volume occupied by a unit mass of that substance, typically expressed in cubic meters per kilogram (m³/kg). For carbon dioxide (CO₂), the specific volume changes depending on its state (gas or liquid) and the conditions of temperature and pressure.

At standard conditions (0°C and 1 atm pressure), the specific volume of carbon dioxide in its gaseous state is approximately 0.509 m³/kg. This figure indicates that 1 kg of gaseous CO₂ occupies about 0.509 cubic meters.

Understanding specific volume is crucial in various applications involving gases, including HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems, refrigeration, and gas storage. The correct value, 0.509 m³, is derived from the ideal gas law and typical gas tables, highlighting the importance of knowing how gases behave under different conditions for effective system design and operation.