Canadian Entry To Practice (CETP) Practice Test

Propane liquid expands _____________ times more than liquid water over the same temperature range.

1. 15

2. 17

3. 20

4. 25

The correct answer is: 17

Propane liquid expands approximately 17 times more than liquid water over the same temperature range. This significant difference in thermal expansion can be attributed to the distinct physical properties of propane and water. Propane, being a hydrocarbon gas at room temperature and pressure, undergoes a much larger change in volume with temperature increases compared to water, which is known for its relatively low coefficient of thermal expansion due to its hydrogen bonding. As temperature rises, the molecules in propane gain kinetic energy, causing them to move apart and occupy a larger volume at a much more pronounced rate than the molecules in water. Understanding these principles is important, especially in fields like engineering and environmental science, where the behavior of fluids and gases in varying temperatures can impact systems and processes significantly.