As one exhales, what change in energy takes place between the diaphragm and the air in the lungs?
When one exhales, the change in energy between the diaphragm and the air in the lungs is a transfer of mechanical energy. This transfer of energy occurs due to the contraction of the diaphragm and the relaxation of the muscles involved in breathing.
To understand this process, let's break it down step by step:
1. Inhalation: During normal breathing, the diaphragm contracts and moves downward while the muscles between the ribs contract, causing the rib cage to move up and out. These movements expand the thoracic cavity, which creates a lower pressure inside the lungs than in the atmosphere. As a result, air is drawn into the lungs from the environment.
2. Exhalation: When it's time to exhale, the diaphragm relaxes and moves upward, while the muscles between the ribs relax, causing the rib cage to move down and in. These movements decrease the volume of the thoracic cavity, increasing the pressure inside the lungs. This increased pressure forces the air out of the lungs and into the atmosphere.
So, the change in energy during exhalation involves the contraction of the diaphragm muscle, which supplies the mechanical energy required to push the air out of the lungs. The air in the lungs gains this mechanical energy and moves from an area of higher pressure (inside the lungs) to an area of lower pressure (the atmosphere) when exhaling.
In summary, the change in energy during exhalation involves the transfer of mechanical energy from the diaphragm muscles to the air in the lungs, allowing for the expulsion of air out of the respiratory system.