skip to main content

Laplace's law — FRCA Primary MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

ModeratePhysicsLaplace's lawFRCA Primary

Surfactant deficiency causes collapse of small alveoli. What is the most likely explanation?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: ELaplace's law

Pressure in a curved structure rises with surface tension and falls with radius. Fick's law is less appropriate because it would fit a different clinical clue or a separate anaesthetic problem. Boyle's law is less appropriate because it would fit a different clinical clue or a separate anaesthetic problem. Henry's law is less appropriate because it would fit a different clinical clue or a separate anaesthetic problem. Bernoulli principle is less appropriate because it would fit a different clinical clue or a separate anaesthetic problem. In Primary FRCA physics and measurement, the safest answer is the one that follows the underlying physical principle and the limitations of the device.

Reference: Davis and Kenny Basic Physics and Measurement in Anaesthesia; RCoA Primary FRCA syllabus