Phun Physics...

Pickers · 23-11-2007, 19:54

I saw this done last year, and Clare reminded me about it by talking about freezing boiling water...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSPzMva9_CE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EODql2ef6iQ
Basically, if pure water is chilled slowly to a low temperature (below freezing), there are no impurities to act as a nucleation centre for ice crystals to start growing. If the water is disturbed too much, then a nucleation point occurs and the whole mass of water will solidify in seconds, leading to much merriment.

I've yet to replicate the situation myself as the school freezer is too cluttered to leave the water undisturbed and I've yet to find a good brand to try it with.

23-11-2007, 19:54	#1
Pickers Absinthe Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Cornwall Posts: 2,692	Phun Physics... I saw this done last year, and Clare reminded me about it by talking about freezing boiling water... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSPzMva9_CE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EODql2ef6iQ Basically, if pure water is chilled slowly to a low temperature (below freezing), there are no impurities to act as a nucleation centre for ice crystals to start growing. If the water is disturbed too much, then a nucleation point occurs and the whole mass of water will solidify in seconds, leading to much merriment. I've yet to replicate the situation myself as the school freezer is too cluttered to leave the water undisturbed and I've yet to find a good brand to try it with. __________________ Pictures

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