Chapter 21, Problem 41A

Why is it important to protect water pipes so they don’t freeze?

To determine

To explain: The reason for protecting water pipes so that they don’t freeze.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

When water freezes it converts into an open hexagonal crystal lattice.This hexagonal lattice contains more space in comparison to the space occupied by the water in liquid state. So water seems to be expanded after freezing.

Water has a unique property that it expands after freezing whereas many materials contract after freezing. This unique property is responsible for the pipelines to be protected from freezing. This is because ifwater will expand, then it will rupturethe pipelines.

Conclusion:

One should protect the pipelines so that they don’t freeze.