The Science Behind Why Water Freezes When Shaken

  • Context: High School 
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the phenomenon of water freezing when shaken, particularly focusing on the concept of supercooling. Participants explore the conditions under which water remains liquid despite being below freezing temperature and how agitation can trigger freezing.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes their experience with water remaining liquid in the freezer and freezing instantly upon shaking, expressing uncertainty about the underlying explanation.
  • Another participant suggests searching for "supercooling" as a potential explanation for the phenomenon.
  • A third participant confirms that the term "supercooling" is relevant and mentions the availability of videos on the topic.
  • A later reply indicates that the participant has previously learned about supercooling in a chemistry class, recalling demonstrations related to the concept.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the details of the phenomenon, but there is agreement on the relevance of supercooling as a concept. The discussion remains exploratory with no definitive conclusions drawn.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not delve into the specific conditions required for supercooling to occur, nor does it clarify the mechanisms involved in the transition from liquid to solid state upon agitation.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in physical chemistry, thermodynamics, or those curious about the properties of water and phase transitions may find this discussion relevant.

swraman
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Hi.

I for the life of me can't remember the explanation to this...I remember learning it in High school but now I am just drawing a blank.

When I put a bottle of water in the freezer and let it sit for a long time, it doesn't freeze.

When I pull out the bottle it is clearly 100% still liquid. But, If I give it a shake, BAM! Instant Ice.

I remember something about the water molecules getting in place, but under some condition they don't freeze but still get colder and colder...but if something moves them they will instantly freeze. Not sure if this is right.

I don't know, but this has been happening to me for a few days now and I just want to know why. Cant seem to find it on the internet anywhere!

Thanks!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
searcg for "supercooling"
 
You can find videos on youtube about this. As mgb_phys said, it's "supercooling"
 
Ah, thanks, now I remember.

I should remember this, haha last semester we covered it in chem and did demos on it...:rolleyes:

Thanks again
 

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