Pictured: Dive Deep with Stunning Sardines at Napaling Reef
Freediving is much more than just diving up and down a line. During the freediving courses, you learn quite a bit about physics and science. For example, have you ever wondered why your ears pop on an airplane or why you need to equalize your ears when freediving? The answer lies in a fundamental principle of physics known as Boyle’s Law. Understanding this is essential for any freediver who wants to dive deeper and safer.
What is Boyle’s Law?
Boyle’s Law describes the relationship between the pressure and volume of a gas at a constant temperature. Simply put, it states that when the pressure increases, the volume of the gas decreases, and vice versa.
How Does Boyle’s Law Relate to Freediving?
As a freediver descends, the water pressure surrounding their body increases. This increased pressure affects the air spaces within the body, including:
Ears and Sinuses: The air spaces in your ears and sinuses also shrink, leading to that uncomfortable “squeeze” feeling if not equalized properly.
Mask: The air space inside your mask compresses, requiring you to add air to equalize the pressure.
Lungs: The volume of air in the lungs decreases as you dive deeper. Because of this, it’s crucial never to take air from scuba divers at depth since this will lead to overexpansion on ascent.
Why is Boyle’s Law Important for Freedivers?
Understanding Boyle’s Law is crucial for several reasons:
Equalization: Knowing how pressure affects air spaces allows you to equalize your ears and sinuses effectively, preventing injuries like mask or middle-ear barotrauma.
Lung Safety: Boyle’s Law explains how lung volume differs at different depths and why lung flexibility and stretching are so important.
Buoyancy: As you descend, the air in your lungs compresses, making you less buoyant. Understanding this effect helps you manage your buoyancy and streamline your dive.
Applying Boyle’s Law to Your Dives:
Equalize Early and Often: Start equalizing before you feel any pressure or discomfort. The longer you wait to equalize your ears, the harder it becomes to ‘pop’ them.
Dive Controlled: A slow, controlled dive allows the compressing and expanding air in your lungs to move freely. Never exhale underwater.
Adjust Buoyancy: Be aware of how your buoyancy changes with depth due to air compression in your lungs and wetsuit. The deeper you dive, the deeper you should set your neutral buoyancy.
Boyle’s Law: Your Underwater Physics Teacher
Understanding Boyle’s Law gives you valuable insights into the physical forces at play during freediving. This knowledge empowers you to dive deeper, safer, and with a greater appreciation for the science that governs our underwater adventures. If you want to learn more about Boyle’s Law, sign up for a beginner freediving course since we cover Boyle’s Law quite in-depth with each course. For quick questions, comment below or send us a message.
