Question

Why can metallic bottle tops be loosened by holding them in hot water?

A) The expansion of the gas pushes the metal top outward
B) The expansion of the metal is faster than the expansion of the bottle
C) Water reduces the friction between the bottle and the metal top
D) The increase in air pressure in the bottle pushes out the metal

Answer 1

The expansion of the metal is faster than the expansion of the bottle.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct answer is B) The expansion of the metal is faster than the expansion of the bottle.

When the metallic bottle tops are heated in hot water, the metal expands faster than the glass bottle. This causes the metal to expand and loosen, making it easier to unscrew the bottle top.

For example, when you place a metallic bottle top in hot water, the metal heats up and expands, whereas the glass bottle expands at a slower rate. Since the metal expands more than the glass bottle, it loosens the bottle top, making it easier to open.