Final answer:
The phenomenon that causes static air to be drawn into a respiratory mask when oxygen flows is known as the Venturi effect. It is due to a pressure reduction created by oxygen flowing through a narrow pathway, which draws in ambient air. This ensures the proper mixture of oxygen and air for the user.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding the Venturi Effect in Respiratory Masks
The phenomenon that causes static air to be drawn into the mask when oxygen flows is known as the Venturi effect. This happens because the flow of oxygen through a narrow part of the mask creates a reduction in pressure, which in turn causes ambient air to be drawn in through specially designed inlets. The process of drawing in air is essential for ensuring an appropriate mix of oxygen and ambient air for the user.
During the gas exchange between the blood and the body's cells, oxygen and carbon dioxide flow in opposite directions due to the difference in partial pressures. Oxygen moves from areas of high partial pressure, such as the alveoli, to areas of low partial pressure, like the blood in the pulmonary capillaries. Conversely, carbon dioxide moves from the blood into the alveoli where its partial pressure is lower.
Diffusion of gases is influenced by their partial pressures, as described by Dalton's law and Henry's law. If the partial pressure of a gas in the air is higher than in the blood, the gas will diffuse into the blood until equilibrium is reached, and vice versa for carbon dioxide.