Question

A ping pong ball with a dent in it can be put into a pan of boiling water. After a short amount of time, the dent will pop out. Explain why this occurs.

Answer 1

The right option is; b. the water caused an increase in temperature of the air inside the ball and an increase in pressure.

The dent (hollow area formed by pressing or hitting) from the ping-pong ball disappeared because energy was transferred from the hot boiling water in which the ball was placed to the air inside the ball. This transferred energy will increase the temperature of the air inside the ball and the air molecules will begin to move faster with a greater force. Hence, causing an increase in pressure.

Step-by-step explanation:

Answer 2

thermal expansion causes the gas particles inside the ping pong ball to spread apart, putting pressure on the dent and popping back out.