Certified Hyperbaric Technologist Test CHT Hyperbaric Physics and Gas Laws 3

Question 1

Graham's Law of diffusion states that the rate of gas diffusion is inversely proportional to what?

Accepted Answer

The square root of its molecular weight

Answer

Graham's Law: diffusion rate is inversely proportional to the square root of molecular weight, so lighter gases diffuse faster.

Question 2

Why does a middle-ear squeeze most commonly occur during chamber compression (descent)?

Accepted Answer

Gas in the middle ear is compressed, creating a relative vacuum

Answer

During compression, increasing pressure compresses middle-ear gas (Boyle's Law), creating a relative vacuum that pulls the eardrum inward.

Question 3

Which gas law explains decompression sickness when bubbles form during ascent?

Accepted Answer

Henry's Law

Answer

Henry's Law explains that as ambient pressure drops, dissolved inert gas comes out of solution and can form bubbles.

Question 4

A gas occupies 4 L at 1 ATA. At what pressure will it occupy 1 L at constant temperature?

Accepted Answer

4 ATA

Answer

By Boyle's Law, P2 = (P1V1)/V2 = (1 x 4)/1 = 4 ATA.

Question 5

What term describes the actual pressure exerted by a single gas within a mixture?

Accepted Answer

Partial pressure

Answer

Partial pressure is the pressure one component gas contributes to the total mixture.

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