- #1
g.lemaitre
- 267
- 2
do you see in that photo how that little stick of ice shoots out from the top? What do you think caused that?
When water freezes, strange shapes may appear
In summary, the conversation discusses a photo where a small stick of ice shoots out from the top. The cause of this phenomenon is explained as the central liquid being forced upwards through a hole and freezing as it reaches the top. This creates an "ice-pipe" where more water can escape. The conversation also mentions time-lapse videos that capture this effect.
do you see in that photo how that little stick of ice shoots out from the top? What do you think caused that?
- #2
Drakkith
Mentor
- 22,908
- 7,259
No idea. I've used ice trays plenty of times and I've never once seen anything like this. What were the conditions it froze under?
- #3
mikeph
- 1,235
- 18
The centre top is the last place to freeze on the surface, then as more water freezes from the side/bottom faces, the central liquid is forced upwards through the hole. As it reaches the top of the hole it's forced outward (where it freezes) by more liquid coming up. So this makes a sort of ice-pipe where more water can escape.
A few people have made time-lapse videos of this effect!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSNtnhpvs1Q&feature=related
A few people have made time-lapse videos of this effect!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSNtnhpvs1Q&feature=related
- #4
g.lemaitre
- 267
- 2
excellent answer and excellent video, you really rock Mikey. i couldn't be more pleased with your answer.
- #5
PJC01
- 1,503
- 0
I can say that the formation of strange shapes when water freezes is a result of the unique properties of water. When water freezes, it expands and becomes less dense, causing it to take up more space than it did in its liquid state. This expansion can lead to the formation of intricate and sometimes unexpected shapes.
In regards to the specific photo you mentioned, the appearance of the little stick of ice shooting out from the top is most likely due to the presence of impurities or imperfections in the water. These impurities can act as nucleation sites, where ice crystals can form and grow in a specific direction. This is similar to how snowflakes are formed, with each crystal having a unique shape and pattern.
It is also possible that the stick of ice was formed due to a temperature gradient within the water, causing different parts of the water to freeze at different rates. This can result in the formation of protrusions or deformities in the ice.
In conclusion, the intricate shapes and formations seen when water freezes are a result of the complex interactions between water molecules and external factors such as impurities and temperature gradients. These processes are still being studied and understood by scientists, and the unique shapes that can be formed continue to fascinate and intrigue us.
1. Why do strange shapes appear when water freezes?
When water freezes, its molecules arrange themselves in a specific pattern called a crystal lattice. This lattice structure causes the water molecules to expand and push against each other, creating pockets of air and other impurities within the ice. These pockets result in the formation of the strange shapes that we see in frozen water.
2. Can these shapes be predicted or controlled?
The formation of these shapes is largely dependent on the purity and temperature of the water, as well as external factors such as air pressure. While scientists can study and manipulate these factors to some extent, it is difficult to predict or control the exact shapes that will form when water freezes.
3. Are these shapes unique to frozen water?
No, similar shapes can also be seen in other substances when they freeze. This is because the formation of a crystal lattice is a common occurrence in many materials. However, the exact shapes and patterns may differ depending on the specific properties of the substance.
4. Can these shapes be used for practical purposes?
While the strange shapes that appear when water freezes may seem purely aesthetic, they can actually be useful in some applications. For example, scientists have used the unique structures of frozen water to study the properties of ice and its impact on the environment.
5. Is there a scientific term for these shapes?
The scientific term for the shapes that appear when water freezes is "dendrite crystals". These are branching, tree-like structures that form due to the expansion and contraction of water molecules during the freezing process.
Similar threads
-
Thermodynamics