According to Graham's Law, which process is primarily associated with gas exchange in the lungs?

Graham's Law states that the rate of diffusion of a gas is inversely proportional to the square root of its molar mass. This principle is fundamental to understanding gas exchange in the lungs, where oxygen and carbon dioxide must cross from the alveoli into the bloodstream and vice versa.

In the lungs, gas exchange occurs through diffusion, which is the process by which molecules move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. During inhalation, oxygen levels are higher in the alveoli compared to the deoxygenated blood in the capillaries surrounding them. Consequently, oxygen diffuses into the blood. Similarly, carbon dioxide, which is in higher concentration in the blood than in the alveoli, diffuses out into the alveoli to be exhaled.

Diffusion is a key mechanism due to the thin membrane of the alveoli and capillaries, which facilitates this transfer of gases effectively. This process allows for efficient gas exchange, ensuring that oxygen enters the bloodstream to be delivered to tissues, while carbon dioxide is removed from the body. Understanding this concept is crucial for professionals in trauma care, as oxygenation and carbon dioxide removal are vital to patient outcomes during emergencies.