If a scuba diver descends too quickly into the sea, the internal pressure on eac

Question

If a scuba diver descends too quickly into the sea, the internal pressure on each eardrum remains at atmospheric pressure, while the external pressure increases due to the increased water depth. At sufficient depths, the difference between the external and internal pressures can rupture an eardrum. Eardrums can rupture when the pressure difference is as little as 35KPa (kiloPascals). What is the depth at which this pressure difference could occur? Is this pressure difference the absolute pressure or the gauge pressure? The density of seawater is 1025kg/m^3.

Explanation / Answer

Given that Pressure difference P = 35 kPa
                               = 35000 Pa density of seawater = 1025 kg / m^ 3 Acceleration due to gravity g =9.80 m/s2 --------------------------------------------------------------------- The pressure difference is                P = gh So the depth is            h = P/(g)               = (35000 Pa)/((1025 kg / m^ 3)(9.80 m/s2))               = 3.48 m

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