Chemical Forums

Chemistry Forums for Students => High School Chemistry Forum => Topic started by: crazybouttennis on March 31, 2006, 07:19:20 PM

Title: Removing the Radiator Cap from a Car
Post by: crazybouttennis on March 31, 2006, 07:19:20 PM

What happens when the cap is removed from the radiator of a car at high altitude after the car has been driven for hours? Why?

I'm not sure if I'm right, but I think the coolant in the radiator would spray out because the pressure inside the radiator would high because of the heat of the engine and the atmospheric pressure would be low because of the elevation.  Therefore, the coolant could get pushed out by the gas particles inside the radiator because of the greater pressure inside the radiator.  I have to explain this using the kinetic molecular theory.  Am I right? ???

Title: Re:Removing the Radiator Cap from a Car
Post by: Borek on April 01, 2006, 03:30:49 AM

Think - how boiling point depends on pressure?

Title: Re:Removing the Radiator Cap from a Car
Post by: crazybouttennis on April 02, 2006, 03:50:39 PM

so, if the pressure is low due to the elevation, then the boiling point is lowered as well...so, the coolant would boil?  is that it?

Title: Re:Removing the Radiator Cap from a Car
Post by: Borek on April 02, 2006, 03:59:37 PM

Yes.

Title: Re:Removing the Radiator Cap from a Car
Post by: crazybouttennis on April 02, 2006, 04:37:51 PM

 ;D Thanks!!!