Solving the Mystery of Water Freezing Instantly in a Bowl

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the phenomenon of water freezing instantly in a bowl, exploring the underlying mechanisms and conditions necessary for this effect. Participants consider various factors such as temperature, impurities, and methods of cooling.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that a high warmth transfer coefficient might be necessary for the instant freezing to occur, questioning whether the water is already at 0°C and if electromagnetic effects or cooling methods like liquid nitrogen are involved.
  • Another participant asserts that the phenomenon is due to supercooled water, which can remain liquid below 0°C without freezing unless disturbed by an ice seed or impurity.
  • A participant inquires about optimal conditions for achieving this effect, asking for recommendations on refrigerator temperature and whether the bottle should be half-filled or fully filled, as well as the potential benefits of distilling the water beforehand.
  • Another participant shares their personal approach, suggesting starting with commercial mineral water at temperatures around -1 or -2 °C, and considering distilled water if initial attempts do not succeed.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the mechanisms behind the instant freezing, with some focusing on supercooling and others on the conditions required to achieve it. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best methods and conditions for replicating the effect.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention various assumptions about temperature, water purity, and cooling methods, but these aspects remain unresolved and depend on specific experimental setups.

katchum
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http://www.collegehumor.com/video:1755006

This may be old but...

How does this work? They need to have a huge warmth transfer coefficient for this to happen? Maybe the water is at 0°C already and a small amount of energy should be taken to get this effect. Is it electromagnetical or is the bowl just cooled with liquid nitrogen or something. The conductivity of water can't be that great?
 
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No, it is just supercooled water. You can cool water well under 0°C but it will not transform in ice if there is not a "seed" of ice or some "good" impurity.
 
What temperature do you recommend for the refrigerator? Half filled or fully filled bottle? Maybe some distillation of the water first?
 
Last edited:
Sorry, I have never tried. But I think that I will begin with just commercial mineral water as you buy it (before opening the bottle). And begin with a temperature of just -1 or -2 °C. If it doesn't work, I would try distilled water for medical applications (in the unopened original bottle). But as I said, I have never tried myself.
 

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