University Physics with Modern Physics (14th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0321973615
ISBN 13: 978-0-32197-361-0

Chapter 18 - Thermal Properties of Matter - Problems - Discussion Questions - Page 609: Q18.5

Answer

Water evaporates from a surface even at very low temperatures.

Work Step by Step

Figure 18.23, the Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution, shows that even at low temperatures, some water molecules have sufficient speed to escape the surface of the unwrapped food. Water moves from the bulk of the food to replace it, and then freezes, dehydrating the inside and causing nasty freezer burn.
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