The use of a large vacuum pump could cause trapped water to _______.

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Multiple Choice

The use of a large vacuum pump could cause trapped water to _______.

Lowering the pressure with a large vacuum pump lowers water’s boiling point. In a vacuum, water can start to boil at room temperature, and the act of vaporizing takes heat from the remaining liquid. If heat input from the surroundings is limited, that cooling can drop the water’s temperature below freezing, causing the trapped water to freeze. So, under strong vacuum with little heat being supplied, evaporative cooling can drive the water to solidify.

Lowering the pressure with a large vacuum pump lowers water’s boiling point. In a vacuum, water can start to boil at room temperature, and the act of vaporizing takes heat from the remaining liquid. If heat input from the surroundings is limited, that cooling can drop the water’s temperature below freezing, causing the trapped water to freeze. So, under strong vacuum with little heat being supplied, evaporative cooling can drive the water to solidify.

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