Final answer:
The water pressure on a scuba diver increases with depth, and it is measured in units of atmospheres (ATA). As the diver descends into a freshwater lake at 10m, 20m, and 30m below the surface, the pressure is approximately 2 ATA, 3 ATA, and 4 ATA respectively. This increased pressure can have effects on the diver's air pockets, buoyancy, and air consumption.
Step-by-step explanation:
The water pressure on a scuba diver as he descends into a freshwater lake at 10m, 20m, and 30m below the surface depends on the depth and is calculated in units of atmospheres (ATA). At 10m, the pressure is approximately 2 ATA, at 20m it is approximately 3 ATA, and at 30m it is approximately 4 ATA.
This increased pressure can have several effects on the diver. As the diver descends, the pressure causes the air pockets in the ears and lungs to compress, potentially leading to discomfort or even injury. The increased pressure also impacts the buoyancy of the diver and the volume of air breathed, making it necessary to control the release or addition of air to the buoyancy compensator (BCD) and other air spaces in the body to maintain equilibrium.
Additionally, as the pressure increases with depth, the compressed air is used up more quickly, limiting the amount of time a diver can stay underwater before needing to ascend.