Which liquids do not supercool?

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of supercooling in liquids and whether there are any exceptions to this phenomenon. The participants mention Helium-3 and Helium-4 as two liquids that have the ability to freeze with the addition of heat under certain conditions, which goes against the normal rule of supercooling. However, it is unclear if these are the exceptions being sought after.
  • #1
thermodragon
4
0
TL;DR Summary
Do any liquids demonstrate absolutely no supercooling (IE they freeze reliably right at their melting point?)
It seems like having the ability to become supercooled below their melting point is the default for liquids (at least liquids without suspended particles, without many interfaces, and without other perturbations). Are there any liquids that don't supercool at all? Or if not, are there any classes of liquids that are known for having very little ability to supercool (their melting temperature is very close to their temperature of 'homogeneous nucleation')?
 
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  • #2
I can't find a suitable source for this, but at 0.3K and 29 to 35 atmospheres pressure, Helium-3 will freeze with the addition of heat. There are more restrictive conditions where this can happen with Helium-4. These are exceptions to the normal rule of supercooling - but I don't know if they are the exceptions you are looking for.
 
  • #3
That is indeed quite interesting, but it actually sounds like the opposite of the trait I'm looking for. It sounds like for He-3 and 4 there is a set of conditions for which supercooling is actually the stable state (at least if we simply define "supercooling" as being liquid while having a temperature below the melting temperature at that pressure). I'm thinking of materials which you could start with as a liquid above the melting temperature, and then remove heat until it exactly reaches the melting temperature, at which point it freezes as heat is removed before falling below the melting temperature.
 

1. What is supercooling?

Supercooling is a phenomenon in which a liquid remains in a liquid state below its freezing point. This means that the liquid is in a state of unstable equilibrium and any disturbance, such as a slight change in temperature or agitation, can cause it to freeze instantly.

2. Can all liquids be supercooled?

No, not all liquids can be supercooled. Only certain types of liquids, such as pure water or alcohol, have the ability to be supercooled. The chemical composition and purity of the liquid play a crucial role in its ability to supercool.

3. Are there any liquids that cannot be supercooled?

Yes, there are some liquids that cannot be supercooled. These include liquids with impurities, such as tap water or milk, and liquids with high concentrations of dissolved gases, such as soda or beer. These impurities or gases prevent the liquid from reaching the necessary state of unstable equilibrium for supercooling.

4. How can you tell if a liquid is supercooled?

There are a few ways to tell if a liquid is supercooled. One method is to use a thermometer to measure the temperature of the liquid. If the temperature is below the liquid's freezing point, then it is likely supercooled. Another method is to observe the liquid for signs of crystallization or freezing, such as the formation of ice crystals or a change in viscosity.

5. Is supercooling dangerous?

Supercooling can be dangerous if not done properly. When a supercooled liquid is disturbed or agitated, it can instantly freeze, potentially causing damage or injury. It is important to handle supercooled liquids with caution and follow proper safety protocols to prevent accidents.

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