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Biophysics & Medical Physics FAQ

Laplace's law for a spherical alveolus with surface tension γ and radius r gives transmural pressure:

ΔP = 4γ/r. For a bubble (two surfaces): ΔP = 4γ/r; for a single-surface sphere like an alveolus: ΔP = 2γ/r. The 4γ/r form applies when two interfaces are counted.

Short Answer

ΔP = 4γ/r is the best answer.

Biophysics questions work best when you translate anatomy or instrumentation back into plain physics: pressure gradients, flow, diffusion, energy deposition, imaging contrast, and signal-to-noise.

For a bubble (two surfaces): ΔP = 4γ/r; for a single-surface sphere like an alveolus: ΔP = 2γ/r. The 4γ/r form applies when two interfaces are counted.

Why This Answer Is Correct

This is a Medium-level question in Biophysics & Medical Physics. The prompt is really testing whether you can connect the concept to its defining physical relationship instead of picking a nearby-but-wrong term.

Clinical wording can hide a simple physics core. Strip the scenario down to transport, force, energy, or measurement first.

Choices At A Glance

  • A. ΔP = γ/r
  • B. ΔP = 2γ/r
  • C. ΔP = 4γ/r
  • D. ΔP = γr

When similar options appear on an exam, eliminate the ones that break the core law, use the wrong units, or confuse a definition with a consequence.

Topic Snapshot

Topic: Biophysics & Medical Physics

Difficulty: Medium

Best next move: Re-state the governing law in your own words, then solve one more example from the same topic before moving on.