What's the connection between physics and scuba diving?

[larianne]

Hi,

Hope this is the right forum (if not please move to appropriate one).

Could someone give me the basics to how pressure effects the body when scuba diving? Is it that water weighs more than air so it affects the cavities in the body that contain air, the force is greater?

Why does a person get Decompression Sickness? I understand its something to do with too much nitrogen released as air bubbles into the system. How do safety stops when ascending help stop this?

Thank for any help.

EDIT: just seen there is a link to pressure after I posted. That is excellent! Sorry, first time seeing this website.

 

[jefswat]

Henry's law is what explains the Bends or decompression sickness

Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry's_law