Basic theories of diving for beginners
A simplified explanation of Boyle's, Henry's, and Dacton's laws that govern the physics of diving and explain what happens to your body.
Understanding the basic laws of physics makes you a safer diver and has a deeper understanding of what happens underwater.
Boyle's Law
Basic Principle
The volume of a gas is inversely proportional to the pressure. Meaning, the higher the pressure, the more the gas is compressed into a smaller volume.
Application in diving
The air in your lungs compresses with depth, and this explains why the lungs compress in free diving. It also explains why air expands upon ascent and must be exhaled slowly in cylinder diving.
Henry's Law
Basic Principle
The amount of gas dissolved in a liquid is proportional to its pressure. The higher the pressure, the more gas dissolves in the blood and tissues.
Application in diving
At depth, more nitrogen dissolves in your tissues. When rising correctly, exhale slowly. When rising rapidly, it forms bubbles, causing entrapment disease.
Dakton's Law
Basic Principle
The total pressure of a mixture of gases is equal to the sum of the partial pressures of each gas in it.
Application in diving
At depths, the partial pressure of oxygen and nitrogen rises, which may cause oxygen poisoning or nitrogen narcosis at great depths.
These laws are not just theories, but rather the scientific explanation for everything that happens to you underwater.