What does partial pressure refer to?

Partial pressure refers to the pressure exerted by an individual gas in a mixture of gases. This concept is fundamental in understanding how gases behave in environments such as underwater during diving. Each gas in a mixture contributes to the total pressure independently of the others, and this contribution is termed its partial pressure.

In the context of diving, knowing the partial pressure of gases like oxygen and nitrogen is crucial for managing exposure and avoiding issues like nitrogen narcosis or oxygen toxicity. It's essential for dive planning and ensures divers remain within safe exposure limits.

The total pressure of a gas mixture is the sum of the partial pressures of the individual gases, which is why this specific definition of partial pressure is more precise. Understanding how each gas's partial pressure relates to its solubility and effects on the body helps divers make informed decisions about their dive profiles and decompression stops.