Make solid ice from supercooled water?

In summary, the temperature of supercooled water needs to be below zero degrees Celsius in order for it to freeze completely solid. The energy needed to warm the water from below zero degrees to 0 degrees C is equal to the energy released when the same amount of water turns into ice at 0 degrees C. It may be more helpful to think of starting with ice at 0 degrees C and adding energy to turn it into water at 0 degrees C, and then removing the same amount of energy from the water to bring it back down to below zero degrees. The specific heat of ice is lower than that of water, so the energy required for warming ice to 0 degrees C is less than the energy released when water turns into ice
  • #1
Frantzen
1
0
Im having a discusion reguarding what temperature (celsius) supercooled water needs to be if it was to freeze completely solid. Going from liquid to solid "produces" heat. Therefor it is obvious that the temperature needs to be somewhat below zero.

What temperature (celsius) is needed if all the supercooled water should turn into ice and stay at zero degrees afterwards?

Thanks!
 
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  • #2
The energy to warm M grams of supercooled water from minus X degrees C to 0 degrees C equals the energy given off when M grams of water at 0 degrees C turns into ice at 0 degrees C?
 
  • #3
Maybe it is more helpful to start with M grams of ice at 0 degrees C and then add energy E to turn the ice into M grams of water at 0 degrees C and then remove the same energy E from the water to bring it down to minus X degrees C?
 
  • #4
Spinnor said:
The energy to warm M grams of supercooled water from minus X degrees C to 0 degrees C equals the energy given off when M grams of water at 0 degrees C turns into ice at 0 degrees C?

Mmmmm... I'd have thought that it would be the energy required to warm M gram of ice from minus X degrees C to 0 degrees C that has to balance the energy given off by the water turning to ice. The specific heat of ice is appreciably less than that of water.
 
  • #5
Nugatory said:
Mmmmm... I'd have thought that it would be the energy required to warm M gram of ice from minus X degrees C to 0 degrees C that has to balance the energy given off by the water turning to ice. The specific heat of ice is appreciably less than that of water.

I think I had that backwards, yes?
 

1. How is supercooled water different from regular water?

Supercooled water is water that has been cooled below its freezing point without actually freezing. This means that the water is still in a liquid state, even though it is below the temperature at which it should freeze.

2. What is the process for making solid ice from supercooled water?

The process for making solid ice from supercooled water involves providing a nucleation site, such as a small piece of ice or a scratch on the container, for the water molecules to cluster around and form a solid crystal structure. This can also be achieved by simply agitating the water, as this creates small air bubbles that serve as nucleation sites for the water to freeze on.

3. Can any type of water be supercooled?

Yes, any type of water can be supercooled as long as it is pure and free from impurities. Impurities can act as nucleation sites and prevent the water from being supercooled.

4. How long does it take for supercooled water to freeze?

This depends on various factors such as the temperature of the water, the amount of agitation, and the presence of nucleation sites. In general, supercooled water will freeze much quicker than regular water once a nucleation site is provided.

5. Is it safe to consume supercooled water?

While supercooled water is safe to consume, it is not recommended to drink it in its supercooled state. Once the water is disturbed or warmed up, it will quickly freeze and can cause damage to the mouth or throat. It is best to let the water thaw completely before consuming it.

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