Help with a real life physics mystery

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a phenomenon observed in an ice cube tray where ice spikes form unexpectedly. Participants explore potential explanations for this occurrence, which raises questions about the physics of ice formation and environmental conditions within a freezer. The scope includes conceptual understanding and exploratory reasoning related to the behavior of ice and freezing processes.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • A participant describes their experience with ice spikes forming in an ice cube tray, noting that the spikes appeared without any apparent external influence.
  • Another participant mentions that this phenomenon has been discussed previously, suggesting it is not uncommon but does not recall specific details.
  • A different participant references a related thread, indicating that there may be existing discussions or explanations about similar occurrences.
  • A later reply provides a link to an external resource that purportedly explains the phenomenon of ice spikes, although the validity of that explanation is not assessed within the thread.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the cause of the ice spikes, and multiple viewpoints and references to past discussions remain. The phenomenon is acknowledged as interesting but not fully resolved within the thread.

Contextual Notes

The discussion lacks detailed scientific explanations or consensus on the mechanisms behind the ice spike formation. Assumptions about environmental conditions in the freezer and the properties of ice are not fully explored.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in the physics of ice formation, those curious about unusual phenomena in everyday life, and participants in discussions about experimental observations in household appliances may find this thread relevant.

TheDoctoRR
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First of all hi to the forum, I've read topics here for years but this is my first post. I thought I would post this up for the sharp minds here as this is really baffling me.

I have moved into a new house with an older style fridge and a couple weeks in I pulled out an ice cube tray and it had a spike of ice protruding from it. It seemed very odd but I assumed perhaps it had been under something that allowed the ice to form upwards against the now moved object (2 of the attached pictures are of the first instance). A week later, however, the same thing happened again and this time I can confirm there was nothing on top of the tray at any time. This time the ice spike formed in a different cube compartment of the ice cube tray. (the other 2 attached pictures are of the second instance). Both times the ice cube trays were in roughly the same location of the freezer and though I have searched I cannot find any reasonable explanation for this phenomenon. There does not seem to be any strong air current in the freezer though that is unlikely due the individual nature of the occurrence within an ice tray.

This is not a hoax and unless I see Jesus in the ice tray next I am unlikely top make any money off this. I do have a master in biology and thus I am no expert but I have a strong basic understanding of chemistry and physics and therefore my curiosity is killing me. Any suggestions? Ideas? Oh, and I am pretty sure that its not supernatural as I haven't heard any rattling chains or disembodied footsteps...
 

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Physics news on Phys.org
the other two pictures...
 

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This has been discussed here before. It apparently is not a terribly rare phenomenon, but I don't remember any of the details. Try a forum search for "weird ice" or similar phrases.
 

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