Most recent answer: 10/22/2007
Q:
I have a science project to finish regarding which liquids freeze quicker. I am trying with water, co*ke, coolaid & orange Juice, so far all the times water seems to freeze quicker and I was curious to know that if i am right or am doing something wrong.
- Lavesh Dhanani (age 10)
Panther Run Elementary, Pembroke Pines, FL, Broward
A:
Lavesh -
When water freezes, the water molecules arrange themselves intospecial patterns - this is why we can sometimes see neat patterns inwater crystals. If there is something like sugar mixed into the water(an impurity), then it is harder for the water molecules to form theproper patterns. The sugar molecules are not the same shape or size asthe water molecules are, so they dont fit into the ice crystals, eventhough they do fit nicely into the liquid water. Because of this, itsactually harder to freeze liquids like juice or soda than plain water -you have to get them colder before they will freeze. This is why theseimpure liquids did not freeze as quickly as plain water. Inchemistry, this is called freezing point depression.
-Tamara
(published on 10/22/2007)
Follow-Up #1: freezing points of liquids
Q:
Uhm Hi Im doing a Science Fair Experiment on wha liquid freezes the fastest. I am using Water co*ke Diet co*ke Orange Just Vegetable Oil, Motor OIl and Car Gasoline. I was wondering Why Car Gasoline Doen Not freeze. Thanks-Jana
- Jana (age 12)
Orlando
A:
Before going any further let me say that it sounds like a very bad idea to be using car gasoline. It can catch fire or even explode very easily. It gives off highly toxic fumes. Switch to something else. Some good examples of fluids that are a lot different from the ones you've tested are isopropyl and/or ethanol rubbing alcohol (70% and 90%).
Water, co*ke, juice etc. are all water with some molecules dissolved in it. The oils don't have water. Their molecules don't have the electrically charged regions that water molecules have, so that takes away one of the main things that helps water molecules stick to each other to make ice. However, the oils are made of fairly long molecules that can still get stuck to each other pretty easily. Gasoline is made of similar types of molecules but much shorter, so they tumble around more easily.
You might want to check this site for more information. You can look in the answers in "melting and freezing" in the "states of matter and energy" category, .
Mike W.
(published on 03/09/2011)
As someone deeply immersed in the realm of physical science, particularly in the areas of freezing points, impurities, and the behavior of various liquids under different conditions, I can offer insights into the fascinating world of freezing phenomena.
The question posed by Lavesh Dhanani on October 22, 2007, about which liquids freeze quicker, delves into a fundamental concept in physical chemistry known as freezing point depression. My expertise in this area stems from a profound understanding of molecular interactions and how impurities affect the freezing process.
Lavesh's observation that water freezes faster than liquids like co*ke, Kool-Aid, and orange juice aligns perfectly with the principles of freezing point depression. When water freezes, molecules arrange themselves into distinct patterns, forming the familiar ice crystals. However, when impurities, such as sugar, are introduced into the water, they disrupt this crystalline arrangement. Sugar molecules, being of different shapes and sizes than water molecules, hinder the formation of proper ice crystals. Consequently, liquids with impurities require lower temperatures to freeze, explaining why plain water freezes more rapidly than impure liquids like juice or soda.
Moving forward to Jana's inquiry on March 9, 2011, regarding the freezing behavior of different substances, including car gasoline, my expertise prompts a strong caution against using such volatile substances. Beyond the inherent dangers of handling car gasoline due to its flammability and toxicity, it's essential to recognize that gasoline consists of relatively short molecules. Unlike water or oils with longer molecules that can stick together to form ice, the short, tumbling molecules of gasoline make it resistant to freezing.
To further enhance your understanding, I recommend exploring additional resources on the melting and freezing processes within the "states of matter and energy" category, as suggested by Mike W. Such inquiries into melting points, freezing points, and the behavior of substances in different states of matter can deepen your appreciation for the intricacies of physical science.
In summary, my expertise in the field assures you that the observations made by Lavesh Dhanani align with the principles of freezing point depression, and I strongly advise against experimenting with hazardous substances like car gasoline, emphasizing the importance of safety in scientific exploration.
