Why does water freeze instantly when shaken after freezing?

[swraman]

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!

 

[mgb_phys]

searcg for "supercooling"

 

[silverpig]

You can find videos on youtube about this. As mgb_phys said, it's "supercooling"

 

[swraman]

Ah, thanks, now I remember.

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

Thanks again