Carbon dioxide (CO₂) as a gas — select the correct set of properties relevant to fire and safety considerations.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: all of these

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Basic gas properties are essential in refrigeration, fire suppression, and safety engineering. CO₂ is widely used as a fire extinguishing agent and as a refrigerant in transcritical systems.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • CO₂ at ordinary conditions (non-cryogenic).
  • Properties considered: colour, odour, and flammability.


Concept / Approach:
CO₂ is colourless and odourless. It does not support combustion and is used to smother fires by diluting oxygen concentration. While CO₂ is asphyxiant at high concentrations, it is not classified as a flammable gas.



Step-by-Step Solution:

Check colour: CO₂ is colourless.Check odour: CO₂ is odourless.Check flammability: CO₂ is non-flammable and used in extinguishers.Therefore, “all of these” is correct.


Verification / Alternative check:
Fire codes and data sheets list CO₂ as non-flammable and suitable for certain classes of fires, confirming these properties.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Picking any single property ignores the others; “toxic and highly flammable” is incorrect.



Common Pitfalls:
Confusing CO₂ with CO (carbon monoxide). CO is toxic; CO₂ is an asphyxiant at high concentrations but not flammable.



Final Answer:

all of these

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