Water-filled metal pipes often burst when the water inside freezes
PHYSICS · Single correct · CBSE · Physics · Thermal Properties of Matter · Thermal Properties of Matter
Problem
Water-filled metal pipes often burst when the water inside freezes. Which of the following is the primary reason for this phenomenon?
(a) Because the metal pipe contracts more than the water as temperature falls, the shrinking pipe wall splits open.
(b) The latent heat released in freezing raises the internal energy of the water, generating a huge pressure that bursts the pipe.
(c) When water freezes, its volume increases by about 9%, so the forming ice exerts a large outward pressure that bursts the pipe.
(d) As water approaches 0∘C, its density increases and the heavier water presses harder on the pipe wall until it cracks.