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Increasing pressure in hyperbaric treatment has what effect on gas bubbles?
Enlarges bubble surface tension
Eliminates bubble surface tension
Causes bubble expansion
Causes bubbles to merge
The correct answer is: Eliminates bubble surface tension
Increasing pressure during hyperbaric treatment has the effect of eliminating bubble surface tension. This phenomenon can be explained through the principles of gas laws, particularly Boyle's Law, which states that at constant temperature, the volume of a gas is inversely proportional to the pressure. Therefore, when pressure increases, the volume of gas bubbles decreases, leading to a reduction in the size of the bubbles. As the pressure increases, the solubility of gases in liquids also increases, which allows dissolved gases to be absorbed by the surrounding fluids. This absorption contributes to the dissolution of gas bubbles, effectively minimizing their presence and the tension at their surfaces. Consequently, instead of enlarging or maintaining the bubbles, increased pressure plays a crucial role in reducing their size and, in many cases, eliminating them altogether. This understanding is vital in hyperbaric therapy, as it aids in treating conditions like decompression sickness, where unwanted gas bubbles form in the body. The pressurization within the chamber accelerates the absorption of these gases into surrounding fluids, facilitating elimination through the respiratory system during depressurization.