Question

Why do mountaineers carry oxygen cylinders with them when they climb high mountains?

Answer 1

Mountaineers carry oxygen cylinders with them when they climb high mountains because -

• Atmospheric pressure, at high altitudes is very low because the volume is inversely proportional to density.

$\rho \left(Density\right)=\frac{M\left(Mass\right)}{V\left(Volume\right)}$

• As a result of this, the Volume of air rises and the density of the Air decreases.
• Due to this the amount of oxygen accessible for breathing is reduced.
• Due to low air pressure, mountaineers sometimes suffer from dizziness.
• It can also lead to hypoxia.
• Hypoxia is a condition wherein a region of the body is deprived of a sufficient supply of oxygen at the tissue level.
• Hence, to avoid such issues arising due to insufficient oxygen, mountaineers carry oxygen cylinders.