Please star this question if you find it thought provoking. Thanks
2007-03-01 22:19:04 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
Very thought provoking.
When the pressure acting on water is decreased, its boiling point decreases.
Theoretically, if the pressure is decreased sufficiently, the boiling point will decrease to 0°C .. so, in outer space, at near enough absolute zero pressure, water will boil and freeze at the same time ...???
2007-03-02 04:06:23 · answer #1 · answered by Norrie 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The water boils then freezes in outer space...
In outer space, it is almost like a vacuum...the air pressure is extremely low. In boiling process (on earth), energy is needed for water molecules to act against atmospheric pressure to turn into gas...
However, in outer space, since air pressure is so low, higher energy water molecules in the water have enough energy to escape as gas, leaving behind water molecules of very low energy. These low energy water molecules means that temperature is very low --> below melting point, thus the water freezes...
2007-03-01 22:25:10 · answer #2 · answered by lam_tensai 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Water will even boil in your hand atop Mt Everest, because the partail pressure of atmosphere is so reduced the boiling point is markedly depressed. In space, the temperature is so cold only ice will exist as water.
2007-03-01 23:39:18 · answer #3 · answered by SteveA8 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
It would freeze as the temperature of space is around 2.7 Kelvin - which is approximately -270.45 Celsius.
Many comets are made of ice.
2007-03-01 22:24:44 · answer #4 · answered by Doctor Q 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋