Question

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.” In one or two sentences, 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.

Answer 1

I would expect "the bends" to be a greater hazard for divers as they return to the surface due to the decrease in pressure. As pressure decreases, the solubility of gases in liquids also decreases, which can lead to the formation of gas bubbles in the blood.