Answer :
Whales diving to a depth of 913 meters experience a total pressure of approximately 92.3 atmospheres, which includes the pressure of the water column and the atmospheric pressure at the surface.
The total pressure experienced by whales at a depth of 913 meters in the ocean can be calculated by recognizing that pressure increases linearly with depth due to the weight of the water column above. At the surface, we feel the pressure of the atmosphere, which is approximately 1 atmosphere (atm), equivalent to 101.3 kilopascals (kPa). For every 10 meters one descends under the water, the pressure increases by about 1 atm.
Therefore, to find the total pressure at 913 meters, first, calculate the pressure due to the water column:
- Pressure increase per 10 meters = 1 atm
- Depth in sets of 10 meters = 913 m / 10 m
- Pressure due to water column = Depth in sets of 10 meters times Pressure increase per 10 meters
- Pressure due to water column = 91.3 atm (since 913 m is approximately 91.3 sets of 10 m)
Next, add the atmospheric pressure at the surface:
- Total pressure = Pressure due to water column + Atmospheric pressure
- Total pressure = 91.3 atm + 1 atm
- Total pressure = 92.3 atm
Thus, the total pressure experienced at a depth of 913 meters is approximately 92.3 atm.
