Question

A bag of potato chips is packed and sealed in Los Angeles, California, and then shipped to Lake Tahoe, Nevada, during ski season. It is noticed that the volume of the bag of potato chips has increased upon its arrival in Lake Tahoe. What external conditions would most likely cause the volume increase?

Short answer

The most likely external condition causing the increase in the volume of the bag of potato chips is the altitude difference between Los Angeles and Lake Tahoe. As altitude increases, air pressure decreases, allowing gases to expand. The lower pressure in Lake Tahoe causes the gas inside the bag to expand, increasing the volume of the bag. Temperature differences between the two locations may also contribute to the volume increase, but altitude and pressure have a more significant impact.

Step-by-step solution

Research Locations and Conditions

First, look up information on the climates, temperatures, and altitudes of both Los Angeles and Lake Tahoe. Note the differences in these external conditions.

Temperature Effects

Investigate how temperature differences between the two locations may affect the volume of the gas inside the bag of potato chips. Remember that the warmer air is, the more it expands, and that air expands faster at higher temperatures.

Altitude and Pressure Effects

Analyze how the altitude difference between Los Angeles and Lake Tahoe might affect the volume of the bag of potato chips. Keep in mind that air pressure decreases with an increase in altitude. At higher altitudes, the decreased pressure allows gases to expand.

Identify the Most Significant Cause

Based on the researched information and the effects of temperature, altitude, and pressure on gas volume, identify the most significant external condition that would cause the volume of the bag of potato chips to increase between Los Angeles and Lake Tahoe.

Conclusion

Summarize the findings and explain the main external factor responsible for the increased volume of the bag of potato chips during its journey from Los Angeles to Lake Tahoe.