People that have nearly drowned in cold water can sometimes be revived. However, people that have been in warm water for the equivalent amount of time have died. Explain in terms of rates of reaction.
Now obviously reactions occur faster in warmer temperatures (warm water). Can someone explain how this effects water in the lungs, etc?
In very cold water the body just about shuts down. Heart rates plunge, breathing essentially stops, etc etc.
http://www.nytimes.com/1988/07/26/science/the-doctor-s-world-ingenuity-and-a-miraculous-revival.html?pagewanted=all
When a person nearly drowns in cold water, their body experiences a number of physiological changes due to the cold temperatures. One important factor to consider is the effect of temperature on rates of chemical reactions in the body, as this can help explain why some people can be revived after nearly drowning in cold water while others may not survive after being in warm water for the same amount of time.
In general, chemical reactions occur at a faster rate at higher temperatures, as the increased kinetic energy of molecules leads to more frequent and energetic collisions between reactant molecules. This applies to reactions happening within the body as well, including the exchange of gases in the lungs.
When a person nearly drowns in cold water, their body undergoes a series of adaptive responses to conserve energy and protect vital organs. One such response is the constriction of blood vessels in the periphery, which helps to redirect blood flow to essential organs like the brain and heart. This constriction of blood vessels is an example of a physiological reaction that is influenced by temperature.
In the case of water in the lungs, the exchange of gases (such as oxygen and carbon dioxide) occurs through diffusion. Diffusion is affected by various factors, including temperature. When water enters the lungs, it can disrupt this process and impede the exchange of gases. However, in cold water, the lower temperature slows down the rate at which chemical reactions occur, including the diffusion of gases across the lung membranes.
The slower rate of reaction caused by the cold temperature allows for a longer window of time to revive the individual before irreversible damage occurs. Due to the reduced metabolic demands and slower degradation of cellular components at lower temperatures, the body can withstand the lack of oxygen for a longer period in cold water.
On the other hand, warmer water increases the rate of chemical reactions, including diffusion of gases. This can lead to faster and more significant damage to the lungs, as well as other vital organs, when water enters them. The increased temperature accelerates the metabolic processes, leading to more rapid depletion of oxygen and energy reserves, making it more challenging to revive the individual successfully.
To summarize, the difference in survival rates between nearly drowning in cold water versus warm water can be attributed to the effect of temperature on rates of chemical reactions within the body. Cold water slows down the rate of reactions, providing a larger window of opportunity for revival, while warm water accelerates the reactions, leading to faster and more severe damage to vital organs.