Why Does Water Freeze from the Top?

  • Thread starter Thread starter looody
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Solid
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the phenomenon of water freezing from the top, exploring the reasons behind this behavior in the context of density and temperature. Participants are examining the properties of water and ice as they relate to freezing processes.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to understand the relationship between water's density at different temperatures and the freezing process. Questions are raised about the implications of freezing from the top and the effects on aquatic life.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered insights into the density of water and ice, while others are questioning their own understanding of the freezing process. Multiple interpretations of the phenomenon are being explored without a clear consensus.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of specific temperatures related to water's density, as well as implications for ecosystems, indicating a broader context for the discussion. However, no definitive conclusions are drawn regarding the freezing process itself.

looody
Messages
1
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



hi all, i just have a small quistion that why always the water is down and ice starting from the up or the top?
i mean for example if we try to freezing a water the ice will start from the top of the bottle and the water will be downsizing in the bottom of the buttle until it become all solid

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

 
Physics news on Phys.org
Hi looody, welcome to PF. At 0°C, liquid water is denser (heavier) than ice.
 
Does it happen that way? I guess I've never watched water freeze for long enough :-p

Here"s what I think is happening: The density of water at nearly freezing point is lower than that of water at room temperature and the density if ice is lower than water (that's why ice blocks float in your cool drink). So, the colder water rises and eventually freezes at the top of the other water.
 
In fact water has its maximum density at a temperature of 3.98 Degrees. Imagine ponds ,lakes etc froze from the bottom up,what would that do to the pond life?Isn't nature clever?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
3K
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
8K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
26
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K