Multiple Choice
At high pressure, how does the volume of a real gas compare to the volume predicted for an ideal gas under the same conditions?
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7. Gases
Chemistry Gas Laws
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Which of the following best describes how Boyle's law relates to the mechanics of breathing?
A
Boyle's law states that the temperature of the lungs must remain constant during breathing.
B
Boyle's law explains how oxygen binds to hemoglobin in the blood during breathing.
C
During inhalation, the diaphragm relaxes, decreasing the volume of the thoracic cavity and increasing the pressure inside the lungs, causing air to flow in.
D
During inhalation, the diaphragm contracts, increasing the volume of the thoracic cavity and decreasing the pressure inside the lungs, causing air to flow in.
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall Boyle's law, which states that for a given amount of gas at constant temperature, the pressure of the gas is inversely proportional to its volume. Mathematically, this is expressed as \(P \times V = k\), where \(P\) is pressure, \(V\) is volume, and \(k\) is a constant.
Understand the mechanics of breathing: during inhalation, the diaphragm contracts and moves downward, which increases the volume of the thoracic cavity (the chest area containing the lungs).
Apply Boyle's law to the lungs: as the volume of the thoracic cavity increases, the pressure inside the lungs decreases relative to atmospheric pressure.
Recognize that air flows from regions of higher pressure to lower pressure, so the decrease in lung pressure causes air to flow into the lungs during inhalation.
Contrast this with exhalation, where the diaphragm relaxes, decreasing thoracic volume, increasing lung pressure, and pushing air out. This explanation aligns with the correct description of Boyle's law in breathing mechanics.
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