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JAMB Physics 2008 Question 17

Question 17

Pressure

When cold water is poured on a can containing hot water, the can collapses because the

  1. A.steam condenses and occupies the partial vacuum in the can.
  2. B.external air pressure counterbalances the pressure within the can.
  3. C.steam expands to occupy the vacuum remaining in the can.
  4. D.external pressure becomes greater than the pressure within the can.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (external pressure becomes greater than the pressure within the can.)

Explanation

Cooling condenses the steam inside, so the pressure inside falls far below atmospheric pressure. The greater outside air pressure crushes the can.