Why does condensation occur on plastic water bottles?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the phenomenon of condensation occurring on plastic water bottles, particularly when filled with warm liquids. Participants explore the reasons behind this occurrence, touching on concepts of moisture in the air and scientific explanations for condensation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that condensation results from moisture in the air.
  • Another participant recalls a classroom experience where the teacher suggested that water could pass through the bottle, prompting a discussion about why only water condenses on containers filled with juice.
  • A participant suggests that using warm water instead of chilled water can help illustrate the concept, as the outside of the bottle remains dry when the water is warmer than the ambient air temperature.
  • One participant shares a personal anecdote about learning about condensation during a camping experience, indicating a growing understanding of the concept over time.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that condensation is the correct explanation for the moisture observed on the bottle, but there are varying perspectives on how to understand and explain the phenomenon.

Contextual Notes

Some participants reflect on their past misunderstandings of the concept and the importance of scientific explanations versus intuitive knowledge. There is a mention of thermodynamics, suggesting a deeper exploration of related principles may be relevant.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals interested in basic science concepts, particularly those related to thermodynamics, condensation, and the behavior of liquids in different environments.

pivoxa15
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Why is it that when I fill my plastic pure water drinkbottle with chili water from a drink tap, the whole bottle becomes a little wet even if I did not spill water onto the bottle?
 
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Condensation from the moisture in the air.

Zz.
 
Mm. Gotta love that chili water.
 
In my first junior high science class, my teacher asked us all that question. he played devil's advocate trying to convince us that it was leaking through the bottle. so we said "why does water, not juice, appear on a container that's filled with juice?", he responded by saying that only the water can pass through the container. Looking back on this, he was getting at a pretty good thing there. he made us explain something that we all intuitively knew (condensation) in a scientific way, rather than just by intuition.
 
As stated, condensation is of course correct.
For a quick way to firm this up in your mind, instead of chilled water, put warm water(warmer than the ambient air temp) and note that the outside of the bottle stays dry.
 
That is a nice explanation. I thought water leaking out of plastic was a bit suspect. I remember now that during camp in 9th grade, I asked why my tent was wet in the morning even though there hasn't been any rain during the night, a person answered condensation. I didn't have basic science knowledge at the time so didn't understand him. I don't think he explained it very well either as he was a student as well. 6 years later I meet this word again but understand it much better now. I am currently doing a thermodynamic subject as well.
 

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