When water freezes, strange shapes may appear

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    Shapes Strange Water
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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the phenomenon of unusual ice formations, specifically the occurrence of ice protruding from the top of frozen water. This effect is attributed to the freezing process, where the center top of the water is the last to freeze, causing liquid to be forced upwards through a hole as more water freezes from the sides and bottom. This results in a unique "ice-pipe" structure that allows additional water to escape. Time-lapse videos have been created to visually demonstrate this intriguing phenomenon.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the freezing process of water
  • Familiarity with basic physics concepts related to pressure and liquid dynamics
  • Knowledge of time-lapse photography techniques
  • Experience with video editing software for analyzing time-lapse footage
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the physics of freezing and ice formation
  • Explore time-lapse video creation techniques using tools like Adobe Premiere Pro
  • Investigate the properties of water and how they affect freezing patterns
  • Watch time-lapse videos on platforms like YouTube to observe similar phenomena
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics enthusiasts, educators demonstrating the properties of water, videographers interested in time-lapse techniques, and anyone curious about the science behind ice formation.

g.lemaitre
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do you see in that photo how that little stick of ice shoots out from the top? What do you think caused that?
 
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No idea. I've used ice trays plenty of times and I've never once seen anything like this. What were the conditions it froze under?
 
The centre top is the last place to freeze on the surface, then as more water freezes from the side/bottom faces, the central liquid is forced upwards through the hole. As it reaches the top of the hole it's forced outward (where it freezes) by more liquid coming up. So this makes a sort of ice-pipe where more water can escape.

A few people have made time-lapse videos of this effect!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSNtnhpvs1Q&feature=related
 
excellent answer and excellent video, you really rock Mikey. i couldn't be more pleased with your answer.
 

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