Question

What happens to the shape of a hot tin can when cold water is poured in it?

• A. The pressure inside the tin is less than that outside, so it shrinks.
• B. The pressure inside the tin is more than that outside, so it shrinks.
• C. The pressure outside the tin is same as that inside, so the shape remains the same.
• D. The pressure inside the can is equal to the atmospheric pressure - final shape depends on the atmospheric pressure.

Answer 1

The correct option is A

The pressure inside the tin is less than that outside, so it shrinks.

The change in shape of a hot tin with water vapour when cold water is poured on it is because the pressure inside the tin becomes less than that outside.

Initially, the pressure inside the tin is high as it is hot. When cold water is poured into the tin, the pressure inside it reduces and will be relatively less compared to the outside pressure. Due to this, the tin experience a compression, and hence it shrinks.