Brain Teasers
Cold or Warm Gasoline?
Science
Science brain teasers require understanding of the physical or biological world and the laws that govern it.Science
Fred has a choice of putting a gallon of cold gasoline (say 40 degrees F) or a gallon of warm gasoline (say 80 degrees F) into his car. Which choice will result in the greatest mileage?
Hint
What happens to most substances when they are heated?Answer
Fred would be wise to pick the cold gas. A gallon of cold gasoline will result in greater mileage because it contains more molecules. Gasoline expands when the temperature increases, like most things. And if the measuring container does not expand also to compensate exactly, a gallon of warm gasoline doesn't go as far.Hide Hint Show Hint Hide Answer Show Answer
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