Fluid problem, pressure in lungs

In summary, a novice scuba diver practicing in a swimming pool takes enough air from his tank to fully expand his lungs before abandoning the tank at depth L and swimming to the surface. He ignores instructions and fails to exhale during his ascent. When he reaches the surface, the difference between the external pressure in his lungs is 9.3kPa. From this information, it can be determined that the depth at which the diver starts is 0.95m. This is because the pressure inside the lungs remains the same throughout the ascent, and the external pressure decreases as the diver reaches the surface. This occurs because the lungs are allowed to expand further, but since the diver does not exhale, the number of air molecules in the
  • #1
kahwawashay1
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"A novice scuba diver practicing in a swimming pool takes enough air from his tank to fully expand his lungs before abandoning the tank at depth L and swimming to the surface. He ignores instructions and fails to exhale during his ascent. When he reaches the surface, the difference between the external pressure in his lungs is 9.3kPa. From what depth does he start?"

Ok so at depth L (starting point), the diver has pressure Pa1 in his lungs and an external pressure Pf=PatmospherewatergL

As he gets to the surface, the external pressure decreases on the lungs, so the lungs are allowed to expand further, and since he doesn't exhale, the number of air molecules in the lungs remain the same, and since the volume becomes bigger, the pressure in the lungs must drop to Pa2. So, at the surface, Patmosphere-Pa2=9.3kPa

and so I have three unknowns and two equations?
I was thinking maybe the pressure in the lungs stays the same, but that's only if you assume that his lungs can't stretch? But in this case his lungs could rupture, which i think is the moral of the problem, so if lungs can rupture then they can stretch and so cannot have equal pressures at depth L and at surface?

So if the pressure inside the lungs is the same at the beginning and end, then when the diver is at depth L, since he expands his lungs to the max, then the air in his lungs must exert the same pressure against the water as the water exerts against the lungs, right?

So then Patmosphere-Pa2=9.3kPa

Pf=PatmospherewatergL

Pa2=Pa1=Pf

so comes out to L=0.95 m ...

Homework Statement


Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution

 
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  • #2
update:

I found solutions manual and 0.95 is the right answer. So can someone just please explain how the pressure in the lungs is the same at both points? why the lung pressure does not decrease as the diver goes up?
 

FAQ: Fluid problem, pressure in lungs

1. What is a fluid problem in the lungs?

A fluid problem in the lungs refers to a condition where there is an abnormal buildup of fluid in the lungs, also known as pulmonary edema. This can be caused by various factors such as heart failure, lung infections, and kidney problems.

2. What are the symptoms of a fluid problem in the lungs?

The symptoms of a fluid problem in the lungs may include shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, coughing, wheezing, and chest pain. Other symptoms may also be present depending on the underlying cause.

3. How is a fluid problem in the lungs diagnosed?

A fluid problem in the lungs can be diagnosed through various methods such as chest x-rays, CT scans, blood tests, and echocardiograms. These tests can help identify the amount of fluid in the lungs and determine the underlying cause.

4. What is the treatment for a fluid problem in the lungs?

The treatment for a fluid problem in the lungs depends on the underlying cause. It may include medication to remove excess fluid, oxygen therapy, or in severe cases, a procedure to drain the fluid from the lungs. Treatment of the underlying cause is also necessary to prevent the fluid from building up again.

5. Can a fluid problem in the lungs be prevented?

In some cases, a fluid problem in the lungs can be prevented by managing underlying health conditions such as heart failure and kidney disease. It is also important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, avoid smoking, and follow a balanced diet to reduce the risk of developing lung problems.

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