Typically, when a person coughs, he or she first inhales about 2.50L of air at 1

Question

Typically, when a person coughs, he or she first inhales about 2.50L of air at 1.00 atm and 25 degree C. The epiglottis and the vocal cords then shut, trapping the air in the lungs, where it is warmed to 37 degree C and compressed to a volume of about 1.70 L by the action of the diaphragm and chest muscles. The sudden opening of the epiglottis and vocal cords releases this air explosively. Just prior to this release, what is the approximate pressure of the gas inside the lungs? Express your answer numerically in atmospheres.

Explanation / Answer

Using, P1V1/T1 = P2V2/T2 1.00 x 2.50 / 298 = P2 x 1.70 / 310 P2 = 1.53 atm

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