What does Henry's Law state in relation to diving?

Henry's Law is fundamental in understanding gas behavior in aqueous environments, especially in the context of diving. It states that the amount of gas dissolved in a liquid is directly proportional to the partial pressure of that gas above the liquid. This relationship is crucial for divers, as it helps explain why divers may experience an increase in nitrogen absorption as they descend to greater depths where the pressure is higher.

When a diver goes deeper, the increased pressure causes more nitrogen from the air the diver breathes to dissolve into the body's tissues. If a diver ascends too quickly without allowing sufficient time for the dissolved gases to safely off-gas, it can lead to decompression sickness or “the bends.” Thus, understanding Henry's Law helps in planning safe ascent rates and decompression stops during dives to avoid the complications arising from changes in pressure and gas solubility. This understanding of gas solubility related to pressure is vital for safe diving practices.