Why is Henry's law significant for aviators?

Henry's law is significant for aviators because it describes how the solubility of a gas in a liquid is directly proportional to the pressure of that gas above the liquid. In the context of aviation, this principle helps to explain how decreased atmospheric pressure at high altitudes can lead to the formation of nitrogen bubbles in the body, a condition known as decompression sickness or "the bends."

As an aircraft ascends, the ambient pressure drops, which reduces the pressure of nitrogen dissolved in the bloodstream. If the descent is rapid or if the ambient pressure decreases significantly, the nitrogen can come out of solution quickly, forming bubbles that can cause various harmful physiological effects. Understanding Henry's law is essential for aviators to prevent and manage the risks associated with these bubbles, thereby ensuring pilot and passenger safety during flight operations.

Other options might reference relevant concepts in aviation, such as gas behavior at altitudes or oxygen maintenance, but they do not directly address the crucial implication of gas solubility and its effects on the body during rapid pressure changes, which is the core significance of Henry's law for aviators.