Pronunciation: [nˈa͡ɪtɹə͡ʊks] (IPA) 
The word "nitrox" is often used in scuba diving to refer to a breathing gas that contains a higher percentage of oxygen than standard air. It is spelled with the letter "x" at the end, but the pronunciation of this word suggests that it would be spelled with a "ks" sound instead. The IPA phonetic transcription for "nitrox" is /ˈnaɪtrɒks/, with the "k" sound represented by the "x" in the spelling.
Nitrox is a term used in scuba diving that refers to a breathing gas mixture consisting of nitrogen and oxygen. The term "nitrox" itself is derived from a combination of the words "nitrogen" and "oxygen." In this context, nitrogen and oxygen are the two main components used to create the breathing gas blend.
The composition of nitrox varies depending on the specific application and objectives of the dive. Typically, nitrox contains a higher percentage of oxygen compared to the air we normally breathe on the surface. While atmospheric air comprises approximately 21% oxygen, nitrox mixtures can have oxygen concentrations ranging from 22% to as high as 100%.
The primary purpose of diving with nitrox is to reduce the risk of decompression sickness, commonly known as "the bends." By increasing the oxygen content, nitrox reduces the amount of nitrogen absorbed by the body, minimizing the accumulation of nitrogen bubbles in the bloodstream during ascent from deep dives. This allows divers to spend longer periods underwater or undertake repetitive dives without requiring extended surface intervals for decompression.
Nitrox requires specific procedures and training as the increased oxygen levels can also introduce new risks, such as oxygen toxicity. Divers must be certified in nitrox diving and understand the importance of monitoring oxygen exposure limits and planning suitable dive profiles.
Overall, nitrox is a valuable tool for divers seeking extended bottom times and enhanced safety margins, enabling them to explore underwater environments in a more controlled and efficient manner.
The word "nitrox" is a blend of two terms: "nitrogen" and "oxygen". The "nitro-" part comes from "nitrogen", which is the chemical element with the symbol N, and the "-ox" part comes from "oxygen", the chemical element with the symbol O. Nitrox refers to a gas mixture composed primarily of nitrogen and oxygen, usually used in diving to increase the amount of oxygen and reduce the risk of decompression sickness.
