A snorkeler with a lung capacity of \(6.3 \mathrm{~L}\) inhales a lungful of air at the surface, where the pressure is \(1.0\) atm. The snorkeler then descends to a depth of \(25 \mathrm{~m}\), where the pressure increases to \(3.5 \mathrm{~atm}\). What is the capacity of the snorkeler's lungs at this depth? (Assume constant temperature.)

Short Answer

Expert verified
The snorkeler's lung capacity at a depth of 25 meters is approximately 1.8 L.

Step by step solution

01

Understand Boyle's Law

Boyle's Law states that for a given mass of gas at constant temperature, the volume of the gas varies inversely with its pressure. This can be written as the equation: \(PV = k\), where \(P\) is the pressure on the gas, \(V\) is the volume of the gas, and \(k\) is a constant value for a given amount of gas at a constant temperature.
02

Write the Boyle's Law equation for the initial state

Use Boyle's Law to set up the equation for the initial state where the pressure is \(1.0 \text{ atm}\) and the volume is \(6.3 \text{ L}\). This gives us \(P_1V_1 = k\), where \(P_1 = 1.0 \text{ atm}\) and \(V_1 = 6.3 \text{ L}\). We can say \(1.0 \text{ atm} \times 6.3 \text{ L} = k\).
03

Write the Boyle's Law equation for the final state

Write a similar equation for the final state at the depth of \(25 \text{ m}\) where the pressure is \(3.5 \text{ atm}\). Let the new volume of the lungs be \(V_2\). The equation will be \(P_2V_2 = k\), with \(P_2 = 3.5 \text{ atm}\) and \(V_2 = ?\) (the value we want to calculate).
04

Set the initial and final state equations equal to each other

Since \(k\) remains constant, we can set the initial state equation equal to the final state equation: \(P_1V_1 = P_2V_2\). Substituting the known values, we have \(1.0 \text{ atm} \times 6.3 \text{ L} = 3.5 \text{ atm} \times V_2\).
05

Solve for the final volume \(V_2\)

Solve the equation for \(V_2\) by dividing both sides by the final pressure \(3.5 \text{ atm}\) to isolate \(V_2\). This gives us \(V_2 = \frac{1.0 \text{ atm} \times 6.3 \text{ L}}{3.5 \text{ atm}}\).
06

Calculate the final volume

Carry out the division to find \(V_2\): \(V_2 = \frac{6.3 \text{ L}}{3.5}\), which simplifies to approximately \(V_2 = 1.8 \text{ L}\). This is the capacity of the snorkeler's lungs at a depth of 25 meters, assuming constant temperature.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Gas Laws
Understanding the fundamental concepts of gas laws is crucial for students as it forms the basis for explaining how gases behave under different conditions of temperature, volume, and pressure. These laws allow us to predict the behavior of gases in various scenarios, from everyday occurrences like inflating a balloon to the more complex processes involved in respiratory physiology and scuba diving.

  • Boyle's Law, one of the most essential gas laws, deals specifically with the pressure-volume relationship of a gas at constant temperature.
  • Charles's Law, another important gas law, focuses on the relationship between volume and temperature at constant pressure.
  • The Combined Gas Law integrates both Boyle's and Charles's laws to describe the simultaneous change in pressure, volume, and temperature.

These principles are foundational in fields such as chemistry, physics, environmental science, and various engineering disciplines. They provide a framework for understanding gas behavior and are represented by mathematical equations that predict how a change in one variable affects others.
Pressure-Volume Relationship
The pressure-volume relationship, as defined by Boyle's Law, is an inverse relationship that expresses how, for a given mass of a gas at a constant temperature, as pressure increases, volume decreases, and vice versa. To visualize this concept, imagine a syringe filled with air: If you push on the plunger to decrease the syringe's volume, the pressure of the air inside increases.

The mathematical expression for Boyle's Law is given by: \[PV = k\] where:\
  • \

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