In a message dated 97-12-01 13:37:51 EST, mgb.roadster@juno.com writes:
<<
Does anyone know why this happens? Any explanation needs to be related
to me in the lowest common denominator so I can understand it! I once
asked my son to ask his science teacher this question. I think my son
thought the teacher would make him to figure it out on his own ,,,,,, he
never asked.
>>
Larry,
Water is able to absorb more gasses when it gets colder: this causes an
increase in volume(If you wish to see the gasses leave put a pan of water on
a stove). The exterior of the water freezes first trapping the gasses
inside;look at an ice cube-the bubbles will be in the center. As the water
crystalizes in the interior the gasses are "released" in the form of bubbles.
This too causes an increase in volume(often in the form of a raised top as
this is the only direction available for expansion. So, the bottom line is
that the expansion is caused by the water's ability to absorb more gas as it
cools. Although this is an elementary explanation, what else did you expect
from an elementary teacher?
Tom Green
1979 MGB
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