Question

The compliance of a flexible structure, such as a balloon, is determined by a curve (volume vs. pressure), rather than being constant. As you inflate a balloon, it gets more and more difficult to achieve a given change in volume. Stated another way, you have to supply a greater change in pressure to achieve a given change in volume when the balloon is at higher volumes vs. when it is at lower volumes. This means that the compliance of the balloon:

a. increases at lower volumes then decreases at higher volumes

b. decreases at lower volumes then increases at higher volumes -incorrect

c. increases as you inflate it

d. decreases as you inflate it

Answer 1

compliance is measured as change in volume upon change in pressure. = $\Delta$V/$\Delta$P

as you go on inflating the balloon, it gets harder to make the balloon increase in volume. i.e for the slope $\Delta$V/$\Delta$P decreases. i.e. compliance decreases as you inflate. option d.