Chapter 17, Problem 3A

To determine

The approximate number of atoms in the air in the lungs as comparedto the number of breaths of air in the atmosphere of the whole world.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Atoms came into existence even before the solar system. When someone breathes, some atoms are inhaled and the remaining are exhaled in the next breath.

The size of an atom is so small that there are around ${10}^{23}$ atoms in a gram of water. As the size of an atom is too small, there are as many atoms in the lungs as the number of breaths in the atmosphere of the whole world.

Conclusion:

There are as many atoms as the number of breaths as in the atmosphere.