Which physical law states that pressure and volume of a gas are inversely related if temperature remains constant?

The physical law that states that pressure and volume of a gas are inversely related when temperature remains constant is Boyle's Law. This fundamental principle of gas behavior indicates that as the volume of a gas decreases, the pressure increases, provided that the temperature does not change. This relationship can be understood through the kinetic theory of gases, which explains that gas molecules occupy space and move freely. When volume decreases, these molecules collide more frequently with the walls of the container, resulting in increased pressure.

Boyle's Law is critical in diving, as it helps divers understand how the pressure changes with depth affects the volume of the air in their tanks and within their bodies. It’s essential for safe diving practices to recognize how increasing pressure underwater can compress air spaces, which is pivotal for managing buoyancy and avoiding conditions such as barotrauma.