Small insects may take a bubble of air underwater when they dive.The bubble can serve as an air tank for some time because A) as CO₂ increases, the bubble inflates. B) as O₂ is consumed, air pressure in the bubble decreases. C) as O₂ is consumed, more O₂ diffuses into the bubble. D) the partial pressure of nitrogen remains constant. E) for each O₂ molecule used, a CO₂ molecule replaces it.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

As the insect uses up the oxygen in the air bubble, the concentration gradient between the oxygen in the bubble and the surrounding water becomes steeper, causing more oxygen to diffuse into the bubble to maintain equilibrium. This process can allow the insect to survive underwater for some time. The other options do not accurately describe the process of using an air bubble as an oxygen source.

Small Insects May Take a Bubble of Air Underwater When