Sodium peroxide is used to purify the air in submarines and confined spaces because:

Options

A. It removes `CO_(2)` and produces `O_(2)`
B. it decomposes to form `Na_(2)O`
C. it reacts with oxygen to form sodium superoxide
D. None of these

Answer

To solve the question of why sodium peroxide (Na2O2) is used to purify the air in submarines and confined spaces, we can break it down into a series of logical steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Sodium Peroxide**:
- Sodium peroxide has the chemical formula Na2O2. It is an inorganic compound that can react with carbon dioxide (CO2).

2. **Reaction with Carbon Dioxide**:
- When sodium peroxide is introduced into an environment containing carbon dioxide, it undergoes a chemical reaction. The reaction can be represented as:
\[ \text{Na}_2\text{O}_2 + \text{CO}_2 \rightarrow \text{Na}_2\text{CO}_3 + \text{O}_2 \]
- In this reaction, sodium peroxide reacts with carbon dioxide to form sodium carbonate (Na2CO3) and oxygen (O2).

3. **Absorption of CO2**:
- During this reaction, sodium peroxide effectively absorbs carbon dioxide from the air. This is crucial in submarines and confined spaces where CO2 levels can rise due to human respiration.

4. **Production of Oxygen**:
- Simultaneously, the reaction produces oxygen gas (O2), which is essential for human respiration. This dual action of removing CO2 and generating O2 is vital for maintaining breathable air in confined environments.

5. **Conclusion**:
- Therefore, sodium peroxide is used in submarines and confined spaces because it removes carbon dioxide and produces oxygen, ensuring a safe and breathable atmosphere for the occupants.

### Final Answer:
Sodium peroxide is used to purify the air in submarines and confined spaces because it absorbs CO2 and produces O2 through its reaction with carbon dioxide.

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