Nitrogen gas has a Henry's law constant k = 6.3 × 10^-4 M/atm at 25°C. The "bends" in divers results from bubbles of N₂(g) being rapidly released from body fluids when a diver ascends to the surface too quickly. Which of the following would be a good substitute for N₂(g) in order to make the "bends" less severe?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The lower the Henry's law constant, the less gas will dissolve in a solvent. Therefore, a gas with a lower k value would be less likely to cause the "bends" when rapidly released from body fluids. Among the choices given, helium (He) has the lowest k value at 3.7 × 10^-4 M/atm, making it the best choice to substitute for nitrogen gas in order to make the "bends" less severe.

Nitrogen Gas Has a Henry's Law Constant K = 6