Given:
Dimensions of the room= 12 ft * 15 ft * 8.60 ft
To determine:
The amount of HCN that gives the lethal dose in the room with the given dimensions
Explanation:
As per the World Health Organization, the lethal dose of HCN is around 300 ppm
300 ppm = 300 mg of HCN/ kg of inhaled air
Volume of air = volume of room = 12 * 15 *8.6 = 1548 ft³
Now, 1 ft³ = 28316.8 cm³
Therefore, the calculated volume of air corresponds to:
1548 * 28316.8 = 4.383 * 10⁷ cm3
Density of air (at room temperature 25 C) = 0.00118 g/cm3
Thus mass of air corresponding to the calculated volume is
Mass = Density * volume = 0.00118 g/cm3 * 4.383 * 10⁷ cm3
= 5.172*10⁴ g = 51.72 kg
Lethal amount of HCN corresponding to 51.72 kg of air would be.
= 51.72 kg air* 300 mg of HCN/1 kg air = 15516 mg
Ans: Lethal dose of HCN = 15.5 g
