Divers who go to great depths in the ocean experience large differences in pressure between the surface and their final destinations below the surface. At times, they have to avoid quick changes in pressure because of the effects on the solubility of nitrogen in their blood. If the solubility decreases quickly, then gas bubbles can form in the person's blood, causing a dangerous condition called "the bends."
state whether you would expect the condition to be a greater hazard for divers as they dive down or as they return to the surface. Then, explain your prediction in terms of the solubility of gases in liquids at different pressures.
The condition known as "the bends" is a greater hazard for divers as they return to the surface. This prediction is based on the solubility of gases in liquids at different pressures.
As divers descend to greater depths, the pressure increases, causing the solubility of gases, such as nitrogen, to increase in their blood. This means that more nitrogen dissolves in their blood as they go deeper. However, at a certain depth, the solubility of nitrogen reaches its maximum point and remains relatively constant.
When divers ascend to the surface, the pressure decreases rapidly, leading to a decrease in the solubility of nitrogen. The excess nitrogen that was dissolved in their blood at the greater depth now becomes less soluble and starts to come out of solution. If divers ascend too quickly, the nitrogen forms gas bubbles, which can block blood vessels and result in significant health risks.
Therefore, as divers return to the surface, the rapid decrease in pressure causes the solubility of nitrogen to decrease quickly, making it more likely for gas bubbles to form in their blood. This makes the condition of "the bends" a greater hazard for divers during their ascent rather than when they are diving down to greater depths.
I would expect the condition of "the bends" to be a greater hazard for divers as they return to the surface. Let me explain why.
The solubility of gases in liquids, such as nitrogen in blood, is affected by pressure. As pressure increases, the solubility of gases also increases. Conversely, as pressure decreases, the solubility of gases decreases.
When divers descend to great depths, the pressure around them increases. This causes the solubility of nitrogen in their blood to increase as well. Nitrogen can dissolve in the bloodstream without causing any harm at these high pressures.
However, when divers start ascending back to the surface, the pressure around them decreases gradually. As the pressure decreases, the solubility of nitrogen in their blood decreases as well. If divers ascend too quickly, the nitrogen that was once dissolved in their blood may not have enough time to come out of solution and form gas bubbles.
These gas bubbles can block blood vessels, leading to symptoms of "the bends," also known as decompression sickness. Symptoms include joint pain, dizziness, fatigue, and in severe cases, organ damage or even death.
Therefore, as divers ascend to the surface, the decreasing pressure makes the solubility of nitrogen decrease quickly, making it more likely for gas bubbles to form in their blood. This makes the return to the surface a greater hazard for divers compared to when they are diving down.
It is crucial for divers to follow decompression procedures and ascend slowly, allowing gradual release of nitrogen from their bloodstream and minimizing the risk of developing the bends.
I would expect the condition of "the bends" to be a greater hazard for divers as they return to the surface rather than as they dive down. This prediction is based on the solubility of gases in liquids at different pressures.
When divers are at greater depths, the pressure increases, and the solubility of gases in their blood increases. This means that more nitrogen can dissolve into their bloodstream. However, as long as the diver ascends slowly and allows their body to off-gas the excess nitrogen gradually, they can safely return to the surface without experiencing significant bubble formation.
On the other hand, when divers quickly ascend to the surface, the pressure decreases rapidly, causing the solubility of gases in their blood to decrease as well. The excess nitrogen that was dissolved at higher depths cannot be rapidly released from the bloodstream. This can lead to the formation of gas bubbles, which can block blood vessels and cause various symptoms known as "the bends."
In summary, quick changes in pressure during ascent can lead to a rapid decrease in the solubility of nitrogen in the diver's blood, resulting in the formation of bubbles and the dangerous condition known as "the bends."