Chapter U3.9, Problem 5E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: Comprehend the reason of painful pressure in ear while flying in airplane.

Concept Introduction:

Air is also a mixture of gases as it comprised of different gases like nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen etc. Due to random movement of gas particles, they colloid with other gas particles and also colloid with wall of container. The collision between gas particles of air and wall of container exert pressure on the wall of container.

Answer to Problem 5E

During takeoff and landing the airplane, the Eustachian tubes of ear cannot balance the rapid change in pressure that can cause pain and discomfort.

Explanation of Solution

The eardrum in ear maintain the pressure with atmospheric pressure to balance the human body. In airplane, the pressure decreases with height therefore it causes imbalance between atmospheric pressure and pressure inside the ear that causes pain in ear. During takeoff and landing the airplane, the Eustachian tubes of ear cannot balance the rapid change in pressure that can cause pain and discomfort.