2006-11-25 14:00:55 · 12 answers · asked by hope 5 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
Yes, theoretically.
IF:
a) The temperature of the fridge is constant
b) It is never opened
c) There is a substantial difference in temperature in the beginning
Why? The temperature of the can of pop exponentially approaches that of the fridge. It will - asymptotically - reach the temperature of the fridge very soon (day 2?). However, it will get colder all the time thereafter. Not necessarily measurably so.
This is akin to the question whether a harddisk gains weight if you put data on it.
2006-11-25 14:09:47 · answer #1 · answered by Ejsenstejn 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you're a mathematician, or a student studying heat transfer, you can write the equation for the temperature of the can. (In fact, you can write an equation for the temperature of any point on the can (or inside the can). And you can demonstrate that if the temperature of the air in the refrigerator is absolutely constant, that the temperature of every point in the can will continue to approach that temperature but will never reach it. After a year, the temperature difference you calculate might be 1/10^200,000 of a degree.
On the other hand, if you're an engineer, or a homemaker, or just an ordinary Joe, then you know very well that AS A PRACTICAL MATTER, after one day there is no difference between the temperature of the refrigerator and the temperature of the can and its contents.
When I'm asked a question like this, I frequently respond, "Are you asking as a mathematician? Or as an engineer?" In other words, "Do you want a theoretical answer? Or a practical answer?"
2006-11-25 22:22:14 · answer #2 · answered by actuator 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have you noticed that the compressor on your fridge doesn't run continuously? It runs for a while, until the fridge is a little too cold, and then shuts off. When the fridge gets a little too warm, then it turns on again. The difference between the turn-on and turn-off temperatures allows for hysteresis. The motor and compressor experience the most wear when turning on. The system is designed to minimize how often it turns on, while maintaining a satisfactory temperature range.
This means the air around your soda can is always getting warmer or cooler. After the first day, you couldn't tell from the soda temperature how long it has been in the fridge.
2006-11-25 22:42:08 · answer #3 · answered by Frank N 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It would only get as cold as the fridge.
It takes some time to get from room temperature to fridge temperature, but once it's there, it won't go lower.
As for how long does it take to go from room temperature to fridge temperature, it all depends on how air tight the fridge is (and if you don't open/close the door all the time to check!).
2006-11-25 22:09:11 · answer #4 · answered by kihela 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
in theory, yes. The speed at which temperatures equalize decreases the closer they get together. So, even though the can of soda would be very close to the temperature of the fridge (an unmeasureable difference), it would still continue to cool for days afterwards.
2006-11-25 22:04:15 · answer #5 · answered by squirespeaks 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Assuming the temperature in the refrigerator stayed constant, the temperature of the pop should be exactly the same.
2006-11-25 22:03:01 · answer #6 · answered by Bill P 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, not if the temp in the fridge stays constant
2006-11-25 22:03:00 · answer #7 · answered by schoolot 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No - Not if the fridge was still working.
2006-11-25 22:09:03 · answer #8 · answered by Mark I 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no. because you will open the refrigerator everyday. and the ingredients inside the can prevent it from frosting/
2006-11-25 22:04:19 · answer #9 · answered by miv farizzet 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no
2006-11-26 01:14:33 · answer #10 · answered by Adithya M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋