What is the general result of Boyle's Law when a diver ascends rapidly?

When a diver ascends rapidly, Boyle's Law indicates that the volume of gas will increase as the pressure decreases. This law states that at constant temperature, the volume of a gas is inversely proportional to its pressure. As a diver rises to shallower depths, the ambient water pressure decreases, leading to an increase in the volume of any gas in a closed space, such as the lungs.

Since the lungs contain air when a diver ascends, the volume of that air will expand due to the reduction in external pressure. If the diver does not exhale or actively manage their breathing, this expansion can cause the volume of air in the lungs to exceed safe limits, which can lead to barotrauma, a potentially harmful condition that occurs when gas expands but cannot escape a body cavity like the lungs.

The correct understanding of how Boyle's Law applies during rapid ascents emphasizes the need for safe ascension practices, including slow ascents and regular exhalation to allow for the safe expansion of air in the lungs. This understanding is crucial for maintaining diver safety and preventing injury.