Mary wants to remove a dent from a Ping-Pong ball without cutting into the sealed ball. She decides to put the ball in a bowl of boiling water. After a while, Mary observes the dent disappearing until it is no longer present. Why did the dent disappear?
Answer
A
The water caused an increase in temperature of the air inside the ball and a decrease in pressure.
B
The water caused an increase in temperature of the air inside the ball and an increase in pressure.
C
The water caused a decrease in temperature of the air inside the ball and a decrease in pressure.
D
The water caused a decrease in temperature of the air inside the ball and an increase in pressure.
Explanation
The boiling water warms the air sealed inside the ball. As the air’s temperature rises, its particles move faster and exert greater pressure on the inside of the ball. That increased pressure pushes the dent outward, so the ball returns to its original shape. The correct choice is B: the air’s temperature and pressure both increase.
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