Diving physiology: Which inert gas replaces nitrogen in the breathing mix for deep-sea divers? Focus on avoiding nitrogen narcosis and improving gas properties at depth. Choose the correct gas.
General Knowledge
General Science
Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
Answer
Correct Answer: Helium
Explanation
Given data
- Context: Deep diving breathing mixtures.
Concept/Approach To prevent nitrogen narcosis and reduce gas density at depth, divers use heliox (He + O2) or trimix (He + N2 + O2). Helium replaces nitrogen as the primary inert diluent.
Reasoning • Helium is inert, far less narcotic than nitrogen, and has lower density → easier breathing under pressure.
Final Answer Helium