How does buoyancy change as a diver descends deeper into the water?

Prepare thoroughly with the Navy Dive Manual Test. Utilize flashcards and multiple choice questions, each offering hints and explanations. Boost your confidence and readiness for success!

As a diver descends deeper into the water, buoyancy decreases due to increasing pressure. This phenomenon is primarily governed by the principles of physics, specifically Archimedes' principle, which states that the buoyancy force is equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by the submerged object.

As pressure increases with depth, gases within the diver's body (such as air in lungs) compress. Since the buoyancy force depends on the volume of displaced water, and because the volume of gases decreases with pressure, the overall buoyancy effect becomes less as the diver goes deeper. This means that a diver will feel heavier as they descend because the air in their buoyancy control device (BCD) compresses and becomes less effective at providing lift.

Understanding this change in buoyancy is crucial for divers to manage their ascent and descent properly, allowing them to adjust their buoyancy through their BCD, ensuring they maintain control and avoid rapid descents or ascents that can lead to injuries.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy