The human lungs can operate against a pressure differential of up to about 1/20 atm. If a diver uses a snorkel for breathing, about how far below water level can he or she swim?
Work:
the pressure change pc = (density ro)*(gravitational constant g)*(height h)
h = pc/(ro*g)
h = (1/20)*(1.01 x 10^5 N/m^2)/(1,000 kg/m^3)*(9.8 m/s^2)
N = Newtons, kg = kilgrams, m = meters, s = seconds
h = 0.52 m
Solution:
h = 0.52 m