When water freezes, it expands about 9%. What would be the pressure increase inside your automobile engine block if the water in there froze? The bulk modulus of ice is 2.0 *109 N/m², and 1 ATM = 1.01 *0105 N/m². A)18 ATM B)360 ATM C)1100 ATM D)1800 ATM E)600 ATM

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The pressure increase can be calculated using the formula:

ΔP = -B(ΔV/V)

Where B is the bulk modulus, ΔV/V is the fractional change in volume (in this case, 9% or 0.09), and the negative sign indicates an increase in pressure.

Substituting the given values, we get:

ΔP = -(2.0x10^9 N/m^2)(0.09) = -1.8x10^8 N/m^2

To convert to atmospheres, we divide by 1.01x10^5 N/m^2/ATM:

ΔP = -1.78x10^3 ATM ≈ -1800 ATM

So the pressure inside the engine block would increase by approximately 1800 ATM if the water froze. Therefore, the best choice is D.

When Water Freezes, It Expands About 9