Re: [PSUBS-MAILIST] New means having alot to learn.

[Coalbunny <coalbunny@onewest.net>]

So actually, a tank holding 10 cubic feet of O2 at 1ATM lasts longer (in
theory) at 160 feet?
Carl


Paul B wrote:
> 
> Hi, Carl
> 
> >Why is it breathable only below those depths?
> >Carl
> 
> Because 3% of oxygen at normal atmosphere pressure is too little for humans
> to breathe. As you go deeper, the pressure rises, so partial pressure
> (pressure, created by one single gas in a gas mixture) of oxygen rises, and
> the mixture becomes breathable.
> 
> Let's see if I can explain it by numbers:
> 
> For example, air consists of 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, and some odd percent
> argon, helium, etc.
> 
> O2 21% @ 1 atm = 0.21 atm partial pressure (that's O2 in regular air,
> breatheable)
> 
> In hydrogen/oxygen mixture:
> 
> O2 3% @ 1 atm = 0.03 atm partial pressure (which is not enough to breathe)
> O2 3% @ 6 atm (approx. pressure at 160 feet) ~ 0.18 atm O2 partial pressure
> (that's enough to breathe)
> 
> See, you have more oxygen in the mixture at this depth, so you can breathe.
> 
> Sincerely, Paul.
> 
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