Basic Energy Question- Hot and Cold Water

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the Mpemba effect, which posits that hot water can freeze faster than cold water under certain conditions. Participants note that this phenomenon is not consistently reproducible and depends on specific, poorly defined factors. Additionally, the conversation highlights the existence of various ice structures, with 15 types identified, and mentions the formation of amorphous solid water (ASW) when supercooled water freezes without a defined structure. This suggests that the freezing process and energy dynamics may vary significantly based on the conditions and ice structure formed.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Mpemba effect and its implications.
  • Knowledge of thermodynamics related to phase changes in water.
  • Familiarity with the different types of ice structures and their properties.
  • Basic concepts of supercooling and its effects on freezing processes.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the Mpemba effect and its experimental validations.
  • Study the thermodynamic principles governing phase transitions in water.
  • Explore the 15 types of ice structures and their formation conditions.
  • Investigate the properties and implications of amorphous solid water (ASW).
USEFUL FOR

Scientists, physicists, and students interested in thermodynamics, as well as anyone exploring the peculiarities of water's behavior in different states and conditions.

Jshua Monkoe
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Why actually does "hot" water freeze before cold water? This sounds very basic but believe me I can't come up with a single feasible reason
 
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You refer to the so called Mpemba effect. The jury is still out on this one. Even if it happens it happens only sometimes, when some particular (and not well defined) conditions are meet.
 
Borek said:
You refer to the so called Mpemba effect. The jury is still out on this one. Even if it happens it happens only sometimes, when some particular (and not well defined) conditions are meet.

Mmh, interesting.
Just looked up the Mpemba effect.
Weird thing, there seems to be something missing in the wiki article.

I know that water freezing can result in different ice structures (15 types).
It would make a difference which ice structure water freezes in.
When super cooled water freezes "wild" - no structure (amorphous solid water or ASW).
This is how water occurs on other planets and moons.
I imagine it takes less (loss of) energy to freeze that way.
 

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