Certified Hyperbaric Technologist Practice Test

What happens to the volume of a gas when it is compressed by increasing external pressure?

1. It increases

2. It decreases

3. It remains unchanged

4. It becomes gaseous

The correct answer is: It decreases

When a gas is compressed by increasing external pressure, the volume of the gas decreases. This phenomenon can be explained by Boyle's Law, which states that the pressure and volume of a gas are inversely related when temperature is held constant. Thus, when the external pressure on a gas is increased, the particles of the gas are forced closer together, resulting in a reduction in volume. Additionally, this principle is fundamental in understanding hyperbaric applications, where gases in a hyperbaric chamber are subjected to increased pressures. As the pressure rises, the volume of the gas decreases significantly, which is essential in processes such as oxygen therapy. Managing gas volumes effectively is crucial for safety and treatment efficacy in hyperbaric medicine.