Why Does a Sealed Water Bottle Crack in the Freezer?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the phenomenon of a sealed water bottle cracking when placed in a freezer. It is established that water expands as it freezes, particularly below 4 degrees Celsius, which is contrary to most substances that become denser in their solid state. The unique property of water, where ice is less dense than liquid water, leads to increased pressure within a sealed container, ultimately causing the bottle to crack.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the physical properties of water, specifically its density changes during freezing.
  • Basic knowledge of thermodynamics, particularly the behavior of substances at different temperatures.
  • Familiarity with the concept of pressure in closed systems.
  • Graph interpretation skills, specifically relating to volume versus temperature (V vs. T) graphs.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the molecular structure of water and how it contributes to its unique properties.
  • Study the principles of thermodynamics related to phase changes in substances.
  • Explore the effects of pressure on liquids and solids in closed containers.
  • Learn about the density of various substances and how they compare to water.
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, chemistry enthusiasts, and anyone interested in understanding the unique properties of water and its behavior under freezing conditions.

Gamma
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This is not a homework question, but a conceptual question that I am trying to understand.

We all have experienced/heard that if you put a completely full water bottle with the cap on in the freezer, the bottle cracks as the water freezers. The explanation is that the water expand as it freezes. But if you look at the V vs. T graph of water, it start to expand only below 4 Celsius. So the bottle has enough space to hold the expanded volume. Since, in real life, the bottle actually cracks, what am I missing?

Thank you! - Gamma.
 
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got it. thanks! feel stupid.
 
It's a good question. For most substances, the solid state is more dense than the liquid state. Water is one of the exceptions.
 

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