Final answer:
The change in pleural pressure during inhalation can be used to calculate the amount of air inhaled. By using the formula ΔV = ΔP × C, where ΔV is the change in volume, ΔP is the change in pressure, and C is the pulmonary compliance, we can determine that 0.5 L of air was inhaled.
Step-by-step explanation:
The change in pleural pressure during inhalation can be used to calculate the air inhaled. Pleural pressure is the pressure between the lungs and the chest wall. The change in pleural pressure from -5 cm H2O to -7 cm H2O represents a decrease in pressure, indicating inhalation.
To calculate the change in air volume, we can use the formula:
ΔV = ΔP × C
Where ΔV is the change in volume, ΔP is the change in pressure, and C is the pulmonary compliance. Substituting the given values, we have:
ΔV = (-7 cm H2O - (-5 cm H2O)) × 0.25 L/cm H2O
ΔV = -2 cm H2O × 0.25 L/cm H2O
ΔV = -0.5 L
Therefore, 0.5 L of air was inhaled.