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Multiple Choice
Why do climbers need to bring along oxygen when conquering Mount Everest?
A
Because the body cannot produce oxygen at high altitudes.
B
Because the air at high altitudes contains more carbon dioxide than oxygen.
C
Because the atmospheric pressure at high altitudes is low, resulting in less available oxygen for respiration.
D
Because the temperature at high altitudes causes oxygen to freeze, making it unavailable.
Verified step by step guidance
1
At high altitudes, such as on Mount Everest, the atmospheric pressure is significantly lower than at sea level. This means that the partial pressure of oxygen in the air is reduced, even though the percentage of oxygen in the air remains the same (approximately 21%).
The lower partial pressure of oxygen makes it more difficult for oxygen to diffuse into the bloodstream through the lungs. This reduces the amount of oxygen available for cellular respiration, which is critical for energy production in the body.
Climbers bring supplemental oxygen to compensate for the reduced oxygen availability. The additional oxygen increases the partial pressure of oxygen in the air they breathe, making it easier for their bodies to absorb sufficient oxygen.
Without adequate oxygen, climbers can experience hypoxia, a condition where tissues do not receive enough oxygen. Symptoms of hypoxia include fatigue, confusion, and even life-threatening complications such as high-altitude pulmonary or cerebral edema.
By using supplemental oxygen, climbers can maintain proper oxygen levels in their blood, ensuring that their cells can perform aerobic respiration efficiently and sustain the energy demands of climbing in extreme conditions.