Witnessed Supercooled Liquid Phenomenon

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In summary, when retrieving a two liter soda bottle stored outside in the cold, the contents may still be liquid. However, upon opening the bottle, the CO2 bubbles escaping can cause the entire contents to freeze almost instantly if the melting point of the solution is exceeded. This phenomenon occurs because gases can have a melting point when they are driven into solution by pressure and come out of solution when the pressure is released. Solutions, being homogenous mixtures, have a melting point that can be affected by the presence of other substances, such as CO2. This is why substances like peanut butter and whipped cream do not fit into simple categories of solid, liquid, or gas. In the case of the soda bottle, it is the mixture of CO
  • #1
RJ Emery
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I had a two liter soda bottle stored outside in the cold. When I retrieved it, the contents was still liquid. Upon opening it, however, when the CO2 bubbles began to escape, the entire contents froze almost instantly around the bubbles. I am curious about what phenomenon I witnessed.
 
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  • #2
As the CO2 goes out of solution, the melting point rises. When the melting point exceeds the temperature, it freezes.
 
  • #3
Vanadium 50 said:
As the CO2 goes out of solution, the melting point rises. When the melting point exceeds the temperature, it freezes.

How can a gas have a melting point? It is driven into solution by pressure and comes out of solution when that pressure is released.

Solids have a melting point, and when that point is reached, a solid becomes a liquid. Not so for a gas.
 
  • #4
The solution has a melting point. Or a freezing point. It's the same thing.
 
  • #5
RJ Emery said:
How can a gas have a melting point? It is driven into solution by pressure and comes out of solution when that pressure is released.

Solutions are homogenous mixtures. When in solution, the CO2 is dissolved on a molecular level. The melting point V50 referred to was that of your soda (the stuff that froze), not the CO2 that escaped. The melting point of the solution was lower before the CO2 escaped.
 
  • #6
RJ Emery said:
How can a gas have a melting point? It is driven into solution by pressure and comes out of solution when that pressure is released.

Solids have a melting point, and when that point is reached, a solid becomes a liquid. Not so for a gas.
Try to avoid getting hung up on simple definitions of states. Despite what we learn at school, many substances are not simple solids, liquids or gases. (Peanut butter, whipped cream . .. . . )
CO2 is just a compound and the molecules will behave according to what's going on in their immediate vicinity. Free CO2 has CO2 molecules around it and does not 'stick to them' at temperatures in a freezer (it is gaseous). It is the mixture of CO2 and H2O that behaves as a liquid at sub-zero temperatures - not the CO2. When the molecules are in amongst water molecules (solution) their presence affect the intermolecular forces of the water molecules and alter the temperature at which the mixture goes solid.

The boiling and freezing temperatures of mixtures are usually different from those of the pure substances. We use salt on roads and Glycerol in engine cooling systems (anti-freeze) for this reason. 'Anti-freeze' also raises the boiling point of engine coolant, btw, so it is useful in two ways.
 

What is a Witnessed Supercooled Liquid Phenomenon?

A Witnessed Supercooled Liquid Phenomenon is a rare event in which a liquid remains in its liquid state below its normal freezing point without solidifying. This can occur when the liquid is pure and free from impurities, and is cooled below its freezing point at a rapid rate.

How is a Witnessed Supercooled Liquid Phenomenon different from regular freezing?

In regular freezing, a liquid will solidify when it reaches its freezing point. However, in a Witnessed Supercooled Liquid Phenomenon, the liquid will remain in its liquid state below its freezing point.

What are some examples of Witnessed Supercooled Liquid Phenomena?

One common example is the supercooling of water, where it can remain in a liquid state at temperatures below 0 degrees Celsius. Another example is the supercooling of soda, where it can remain in a liquid state even when the temperature is below its freezing point.

What causes a Witnessed Supercooled Liquid Phenomenon?

A Witnessed Supercooled Liquid Phenomenon occurs when a liquid is rapidly cooled below its freezing point, preventing the formation of crystals that would solidify the liquid. This can also occur when the liquid is pure and free from impurities, as impurities can act as nucleation sites for crystal formation.

Is a Witnessed Supercooled Liquid Phenomenon dangerous?

No, a Witnessed Supercooled Liquid Phenomenon is not inherently dangerous. However, if the supercooled liquid is disturbed or agitated, it can quickly turn into a solid state, potentially causing injury. It is important to handle supercooled liquids with caution and wear protective gear when conducting experiments with them.

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