What makes a cold pop can explode?

Question

In my fridge I have several cans of Pepsi that have been there for a while. Today I went to the fridge and one of the cans had exploded, but all the Pepsi was frozen, not a liquid. The can looked like it had been cut apart and the lid was lying two shelves up from the rest of the can, also looking like it had been cut off. What happened?

Answer 1

When water freezes, impurities (in this case the CO2 in the bubbles) are forced to the top.  This puts the CO2 under more pressure than it was under when it was dispersed throughout the can.  Also, the can gets smaller, which contributes to the increasing pressure.  Eventually, the pressure becomes to great for the can, and the can explodes.

Answer 2

As the liquid froze, the carbon-dioxide was being pushed further and further until it broke through the aluminum, which isn't a very hard metal to break through.

Answer 3

when ice freezes it expands. plus you have carbonation.

Answer 4

It expands.

Answer 5

gasses

Answer 6

The temperature in your fridge is either too high or the area of fridge is higher then others (usually in the back).  The soda can froze and the carbonation caused it to explode.  Lower the dial on the fridge.

Answer 7

The expansion due from a liquid turning into a solid.

Answer 8

well, my friend I have always thought it was the cold part that made it explode I am not sure though maybe you should run some tests. *Joke* Actualy when water freezes it expands in the can so there is a lot of pressure sometimes the cans can't take it and they explode. ^_^

Answer 9

Don't listen to the first poster. Ice does not freeze.

When water freezes it expands. This causes more pressure on the can. You will find most containers, even a plain bottle of water will expand. With soda though the carbonation in it is simply too much for the can to contain.

Answer 10

the air pressure with the carbonation plus water expands when cold so it and air pressure... my advice put it in a pantry and when you want one pour it into a cup and add ice

Answer 11

when it freezes the carbon dioxide pushes out and explodes!

Answer 12

It exploded because it was frozen..