Certified Transport Registered Nurse Certification Practice Exam

Which gas law would be most relevant when discussing the behavior of gases during a dive?

1. Henry's Law

2. Charles's Law

3. Dalton's Law

4. Avogadro's Law

The correct answer is: Henry's Law

In the context of diving, Henry's Law is particularly relevant because it describes how gases dissolve in liquids under pressure. Specifically, this law states that the amount of gas that can be dissolved in a liquid at a certain temperature is proportional to the partial pressure of that gas above the liquid. During a dive, the pressure increases with depth, leading to an increase in the amount of nitrogen and other gases that can dissolve in the diver’s bloodstream. As divers ascend, the surrounding pressure decreases, which can cause dissolved gases to come out of solution too quickly, potentially leading to decompression illness (commonly known as "the bends"). Understanding how the behavior of gases changes with pressure, as explained by Henry's Law, is crucial for safe diving practices. The other gas laws, while important in their own rights, do not directly pertain to the specific context of gas dissolution and pressure changes experienced during diving.