Hyperbaric chambers, which provide high pressures (up to 6 atm) of either air or pure oxygen, are used to treat a variety of conditions, ranging from decompression sickness in deep-sea divers to carbon monoxide poisoning. Look up the solubility of O₂, N₂, CO, and CO₂ in water at standard temperature and pressure (1 atm, 25 °C).
b. Explain how elevated pressures in a hyperbaric chamber be used to treat decompression sickness (excess N₂ in blood) and carbon monoxide poisoning.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Decompression sickness occurs when nitrogen (N₂) gas, which is dissolved in the blood under high pressure (e.g., during a deep-sea dive), forms bubbles as the pressure decreases too quickly. This can cause pain and other serious symptoms.
2. According to Henry's Law, the solubility of a gas in a liquid is directly proportional to the partial pressure of the gas above the liquid. Mathematically, this is expressed as: $C=kP$, where $C$ is the concentration of the gas, $k$ is the solubility constant, and $P$ is the partial pressure of the gas.
3. In a hyperbaric chamber, the pressure is increased to several atmospheres, which increases the solubility of nitrogen in the blood. This helps dissolve nitrogen gas bubbles back into the blood, alleviating the symptoms of decompression sickness.
4. Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning occurs because CO binds to hemoglobin in red blood cells with a much higher affinity than oxygen (O₂), reducing the blood's ability to carry oxygen to tissues.
5. In a hyperbaric chamber, the high pressure of pure oxygen increases the partial pressure of O₂ in the blood. This promotes the displacement of CO from hemoglobin and increases the oxygen supply to tissues, helping to treat carbon monoxide poisoning.

Key Concepts

Henry's Law

Henry's Law states that the amount of gas that dissolves in a liquid is directly proportional to the partial pressure of that gas above the liquid. In the context of hyperbaric chambers, increasing the pressure allows more oxygen and nitrogen to dissolve in the blood, which is crucial for treating conditions like decompression sickness and carbon monoxide poisoning.

Decompression Sickness

Decompression sickness, also known as 'the bends,' occurs when nitrogen dissolved in the blood forms bubbles as pressure decreases during ascent from deep water. Hyperbaric treatment helps by increasing pressure, allowing excess nitrogen to dissolve back into the blood, thus preventing bubble formation and alleviating symptoms.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs when CO binds to hemoglobin in red blood cells more effectively than oxygen, reducing oxygen transport. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy increases the amount of dissolved oxygen in the blood, displacing carbon monoxide from hemoglobin and facilitating its elimination from the body.