What happens to nitrogen during a deep dive?

During a deep dive, nitrogen behaves differently than a gas like oxygen. As a diver descends, the increased pressure causes nitrogen, which is inhaled from the air, to dissolve into the body's tissues. This is due to Henry's law, which states that gas solubility in a liquid is directly proportional to the pressure of the gas. The deeper the diver goes, the more nitrogen enters the body tissues, leading to an accumulation.

This accumulation is significant for understanding decompression sickness, as the nitrogen must be safely released during ascent. If a diver ascends too quickly without allowing the nitrogen to appropriately off-gas, it can form bubbles in the tissues and bloodstream, which can lead to serious health risks. Understanding the behavior of nitrogen under pressure is crucial for safe diving practices.