What is the effect of increasing altitude on the total pressure and partial pressure of the main gases in the atmosphere?
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A
The total pressure remains constant and the partial pressures will decrease.
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B
The total pressure will decrease and the partial pressures will decrease.
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C
The total pressure will decrease and the partial pressures will increase.
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D
The total pressure will decrease and the partial pressures will remain constant.
Although the percentage of oxygen in the atmosphere is constant, its partial pressure decreases proportionately as atmospheric pressure decreases. Above 10 000 ft, the partial pressure of oxygen gets lower and the lungs cannot effectively transfer oxygen from the ambient air to the blood to be carried to all tissues in the body.
- DALTON'S LAW states that: "The total pressure of the gas mixture is equal to the sum of its partial pressure". The total pressure decreases with increasing altitude, consequently the partial pressure of oxygen also decreases.
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