When a skin diver is on the top of the water at 1.03 atm, her lung volume is 3.62L. How will the volume of her lungs change as she holds her breath and dives to 50 feet below the surface at 2.68 atm? V​1​ = P​1​ = T​1​ =
V​2​ =
Law:
P​2​ =
T​2​ =

–2.23 L

Explanation:

We'll begin by calculating the final volume. This can be obtained as follow:

Initial pressure (P₁) = 1.03 atm

Initial volume (V₁) = 3.62 L

Final pressure (P₂) = 2.68 atm

Final volume (V₂) =?

P₁V₁ = P₂V₂

1.03 × 3.62 = 2.68 × V₂

3.7286 = 2.68 × V₂

Divide both side by 2.68

V₂ = 3.7286 / 2.68

V₂ = 1.39 L

Finally, we shall determine the change in volume. This can be obtained as follow:

Initial volume (V₁) = 3.62 L

Final volume (V₂) = 1.39 L

Change in volume (ΔV) =?

ΔV = V₂ – V₁

ΔV = 1.39 – 3.62

ΔV = –2.23 L

Thus, the change in the volume of her lung is –2.23 L.

NOTE: The negative sign indicate that the volume of her lung reduced as she goes below the surface!