A combustible gas is stroed in a metal tank at a pressure of 2.98 atm at `25^(@)C`. The tank can withstand a maximum pressure of 12 atm after which it will explode. The building in which the tank has been stored catches fire. Now predict whether the tank will blow up first or start melting? (Melting point of the metal =1100 K).

Explanation

Pressure of the gas in the tank at its melting point
`T_(1)=298K,P_(1)=2.98atm,T_(2)=1100K,P_(2)=?`
`(P_(1))/(T_(1))=(P_(2))/(T_(2))`
`impliesP_(2)=(P_(1))/(T_(1))xxT_(2)`
At 1100 K the pressure of the gas inside the tank will become 11atm. Given that tank can withstand a maximum pressure of 12 atm, the tank will start melting first.