about the risks of leaving items in a hot vehicle, they usually think about melting electronics or spoiled food. Very few consider the possibility of a fire hazard. Yet, a clear, round plastic bottle filled with clear liquid can act as a dangerous tool under the right conditions.
The Science of Light Refraction
To understand this risk, we have to look at basic optics. A cylindrical clear plastic bottle filled with water functions exactly like a magnifying glass. In scientific terms, it acts as a convex lens.
When direct sunlight
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