What gas inflates the raft?

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Multiple Choice

What gas inflates the raft?

Gas used to inflate emergency life rafts is carbon dioxide. The raft is designed with a cartridge that holds CO2, a pressurized, liquefied gas. When the raft is deployed, the cartridge ruptures and the CO2 rapidly expands into the raft’s air chambers, inflating it in seconds. This quick, reliable inflation is why CO2 is chosen: it doesn’t require pumps or power, it’s non-flammable and safe in an emergency, and it provides a large volume of gas from a compact cartridge. Air would require a pump and would be slower to inflate, while helium or nitrogen aren’t practical choices for rapid, economical inflation.

Gas used to inflate emergency life rafts is carbon dioxide. The raft is designed with a cartridge that holds CO2, a pressurized, liquefied gas. When the raft is deployed, the cartridge ruptures and the CO2 rapidly expands into the raft’s air chambers, inflating it in seconds. This quick, reliable inflation is why CO2 is chosen: it doesn’t require pumps or power, it’s non-flammable and safe in an emergency, and it provides a large volume of gas from a compact cartridge. Air would require a pump and would be slower to inflate, while helium or nitrogen aren’t practical choices for rapid, economical inflation.

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