Which of the following is most likely the temperature of an ice-cold glass of drinking water?
a. 270 K
b. cannot determine
c. -270°F
d. 270°C
The most likely temperature of an ice-cold glass of drinking water would be option a, 270 K. This corresponds to approximately -3.15°C, which is a common temperature for chilled drinking water. It is important to note that pure water freezes at 0°C or 32°F, but ice-cold water may have a slightly lower temperature due to the presence of impurities or supercooling. Option b cannot be determined without additional information, option c (-270°F) is an extremely low temperature that is highly unlikely for a glass of drinking water, and option d (270°C) is a very high temperature that would not be considered "ice-cold." Therefore, option a, 270 K, is the most reasonable and likely choice for the temperature of an ice-cold glass of drinking water.
The Temperature of Ice-Cold Drinking Water
Ice-cold drinking water is a refreshing and common beverage, especially on a hot day. But have you ever wondered about the temperature of that ice-cold glass of water you're sipping on? Let's explore the likely temperature of ice-cold drinking water and why 270 K is the most suitable choice.
When we talk about the temperature of water, we often use units like degrees Celsius (°C) or degrees Fahrenheit (°F). However, in scientific contexts, the Kelvin scale (K) is also commonly used. The Kelvin scale starts at absolute zero, where molecular motion theoretically stops, making it a valuable scale for scientific calculations.
In the case of ice-cold drinking water, the most suitable temperature would be around 270 K. This corresponds to approximately -3.15°C, a temperature that aligns with our common experience of chilled drinking water. While pure water freezes at 0°C (or 32°F), the presence of impurities or supercooling can lower the freezing point slightly, resulting in the slightly lower temperature of ice-cold water.
Option a, 270 K, stands out as the most reasonable choice among the given options. Option b, "cannot determine," highlights the importance of considering specific details about the water and its conditions to determine its exact temperature. Option c, -270°F, represents an extremely low temperature that would be highly unlikely for a glass of drinking water. Option d, 270°C, is a very high temperature that does not align with our understanding of "ice-cold."
Next time you enjoy a glass of ice-cold drinking water, remember that its temperature is likely around 270 K, ensuring a refreshing and satisfying experience. Stay cool and hydrated!