Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Physics, Astronomy & Cosmology => Topic started by: DoctorBeaver on 22/10/2007 14:43:48

Title: Deep sea pressure cooker
Post by: DoctorBeaver on 22/10/2007 14:43:48

Right, as far as I know, applying pressure to something will heat it up. Yes?
The bottom of the sea is under tremendous pressure. Yes?
Some animals/fish that live on the ocean floor eat the carcases of other animals/fish that have sunk into the depths. Yes?

So, does their food arrive ready-cooked by the pressure on the way down?

Title: Deep sea pressure cooker
Post by: lyner on 22/10/2007 15:27:53

The heating effect due to increasing pressure is due to pressure times volume change. Solids and liquids  don't change volume much under pressure, so the heating effect is tiny. The effect is much more apparent in gases - but you'd need to do it quickly or the water would keep you cool!

Title: Deep sea pressure cooker
Post by: DrDick on 22/10/2007 17:22:43

Also, realize that this temperature change is a result of the pressure change.  The water that is down there is already at that pressure, so there's no heating of the water (which can actually be pretty chilly).  Any temperature change that the fish might experience would  be absorbed by the water on its way down.

Dick

Title: Deep sea pressure cooker
Post by: neilep on 22/10/2007 18:26:29

That's a shame....

I can imagine a range of Mid Ocean fast Food outlets specializing in deep pressure octo-burgers .....They'd be sent down on the end of a very long rod and then immediately brought up for happy sailor consumption !!

Title: Deep sea pressure cooker
Post by: DoctorBeaver on 22/10/2007 19:18:53

I'm disappointed  [:(]