What is a disadvantage of a chemical oxygen system compared to a gaseous oxygen system?

A chemical oxygen system generates oxygen through a chemical reaction, which typically means that the oxygen is released only when the chemical agent is activated. This means that once the system is engaged and the reaction starts, it produces oxygen until the chemical is completely expended or exhausted. In contrast, a gaseous oxygen system can be controlled more easily in terms of flow and duration, allowing for more precise management of the oxygen supply and usage over time. Therefore, the continuous release inherent in a chemical oxygen system can be seen as a disadvantage, as it does not allow the user to control the volume of oxygen being released.

The other options do not align with the characteristics of a chemical oxygen system. For instance, the misconception about reusability arises since chemical oxygen systems cannot be reused once the chemicals are expended, unlike some gaseous systems that can be refilled. The weight of a chemical oxygen system tends to be heavier due to the materials required for the chemical reaction, and while compactness may be a trait of certain designs, it doesn't universally apply to all chemical vs. gaseous oxygen systems.