Certified Hyperbaric Technologist Practice Test

What will happen to a scuba tank during refilling according to Gay-Lussac's Law?

1. The tank will get colder

2. The tank will get warmer

3. The tank will remain at room temperature

4. The tank's pressure will increase significantly

The correct answer is: The tank will get warmer

According to Gay-Lussac's Law, which describes the relationship between the pressure and temperature of a gas at constant volume, the temperature of a gas is directly proportional to its pressure. When refilling a scuba tank, the process involves compressing gas into the tank, which leads to an increase in both pressure and temperature. As the gas is compressed during the filling process, the molecules are forced closer together, resulting in increased kinetic energy. This increase in kinetic energy manifests as an increase in temperature. Consequently, the scuba tank will experience warming as a direct result of the increased pressure from the compressed gas. Understanding this principle is crucial for safe practices in scuba diving, as it emphasizes the need to monitor the temperature of the tank during filling to avoid potential hazards associated with overpressurization or material fatigue due to excessive heat.