How long can oxygen tanks typically last at a flow rate of 2 liters per minute?

To determine how long an oxygen tank can last at a flow rate of 2 liters per minute, it's essential to consider the typical volume of a standard oxygen tank and the calculations involved in oxygen consumption.

A standard size E oxygen tank contains about 680 liters of oxygen under pressure. When oxygen is delivered at a flow rate of 2 liters per minute, the duration can be calculated using the formula:

Duration (in minutes) = Tank volume (liters) / Flow rate (liters per minute)

Substituting the values we have:

Duration = 680 liters / 2 liters per minute = 340 minutes

To convert this into hours:

340 minutes ÷ 60 minutes/hour = approximately 5.67 hours

This results in a duration of around 5 to 6 hours for the oxygen tank when used at a flow rate of 2 liters per minute, which aligns with the answer given as correct. Understanding the relationship between tank volume and flow rate is key to making accurate predictions about how long a tank will last, particularly in medical settings where precise oxygen delivery is crucial for patient care.