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.
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.
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