Introductory Chemistry (5th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 032191029X
ISBN 13: 978-0-32191-029-5

Chapter 11 - Gases - Exercises - Questions - Page 400: 8

Answer

Scuba divers should not hold their breath as they ascend to the surface because for every ascent of 10m the pressure decreases by 1 atm. According to Boyle's law, as the diver ascends to the surface, the volume of the air in the diver's lungs increases. If a diver holds their breath when they ascend, because of the high pressure the lungs may burst. Therefore scuba divers should not hold their breath.

Work Step by Step

Scuba divers should not hold their breath as they ascend to the surface because for every ascent of 10m the pressure decreases by 1 atm. According to Boyle's law, as the diver ascends to the surface, the volume of the air in the diver's lungs increases. If a diver holds their breath when they ascend, because of the high pressure the lungs may burst. Therefore scuba divers should not hold their breath.
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