Potassium superoxide (KO_(2)) is used as a source of oxygen in submarines , space shuttles and in oxygen musks . How does it work ?

Potassium superoxide (KO_(2)) is used as a source of oxygen in submari

1.	Potassium superoxide (KO_(2)) is used as a source of oxygen in submarines , space shuttles and in oxygen musks . How does it work ?
Answer» SOLUTION :The moisture of the breath reacts with potassium superoxide `(KO_(2))` to LIBERATE `O_(2)` , and at the same time the KOH FORMED removes `CO_(2)` as it is EXHALED thereby allowing the atmosphere in the submarines , space shuttles and oxygen masks to be continuously REGENERATED . `4 KO_(2) (s) + 2 H_(2)O (s) to4KOH (aq) + 3 O_(2)(g)` `KOH (aq) + CO_(2) (g) to KHCO_(3)(s)`