1. Module 7 Intro

1.8. Page 6

Lesson 1

Module 7—Chemical Analysis

Lesson Summary

 

A photograph shows two astronauts floating inside the Apollo 13 spacecraft. The astronauts are making adjustments to a long white hose.

Courtesy NASA

In this lesson you explored this essential question:

  • How can limiting reagents be used to predict the amount of product for a chemical process?

Developing a “quick fix” to control the CO2(g) concentration in the Apollo 13 spacecraft demonstrates what must be considered when chemical systems have a limited amount of one of the reactants.

 

As part of your Module Assessment you used stoichiometry to calculate the mass of lithium hydroxide necessary to remove excess carbon dioxide from the air inside a spacecraft on an Apollo mission. In a situation such as space travel, making careful calculations involving necessary components is essential to ensure the safety and success of the mission.

A photograph of the changes made to the Apollo 13 carbon dioxide scrubber system. A rectangular object shaped like a box is taped to the side of a large white panel . One end of a white hose is attached to the bottom of the box and the other is attached to the large panel.

Courtesy NASA