Question

Write scientific reason.

Placing a plastic bottle filled with water in the freezing compartment in the freezer can cause the bottle to explode.

Answer 1

1. Temperature of the freezer section in a refrigerator is maintained below 0 °C.
2. When a plastic bottle filled completely with water is placed in the freezer, the temperature of water starts falling down.
3. When the temperature of water reaches 4 °C, due to its anomalous behaviour, water starts expanding.
4. As the temperature of water continues to fall upto 0 °C, water continues to expand. When water is converted into ice at 0 °C, there is an increase in the volume.
5. This exerts pressure on the sides of the bottle. As a result, there is a probability of breaking or exploding of the bottle.