NGSS Alignment: HS-PS1-5 (Collision Theory/Reaction Rates applied to physical dissolution)
Commercial deep-sea welders in the Gulf of Mexico operate in one of the most extreme environments on Earth. Working hundreds of feet underwater, they are subjected to crushing hydrostatic pressure. They breathe compressed air (a mixture of nitrogen and oxygen). According to Henry's Law ($C = kP$), gases dissolve into liquids proportionally to the pressure exerted on them. This means the extreme pressure forces nitrogen gas to physically dissolve directly into the welder's blood and tissue, creating a dangerous aqueous solution.
If a welder swims to the surface too fast, the pressure rapidly drops and the nitrogen becomes insoluble. The gas violently comes out of solution, forming macroscopic bubbles inside their veins and joints. This terrifying phenomenon is known as Decompression Sickness, or "The Bends," and it can be instantly fatal.
Safely extract a deep-sea welder from 300 feet. Calculate the concentration of dissolved nitrogen in the welder's blood at depth, and plot a multi-stage ascent plan (decompression stops) to ensure the nitrogen slowly leaves the aqueous solution without ever bubbling out of the mixture.
Slide to set the target depth. The diver will ascend/descend to this depth.
Controls how fast the diver swims (reducing/increasing pressure).
Current Depth
300.0 ft
Total Pressure
10.09 atm
Eq. N₂ Concentration
10.09 mM
Blood N₂ Conc.
10.09 mM
Diver Status
Safe - Fully Dissolved