What is Supercooled Water
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Using additives can lower the freezing temperature of water. For example sprinkling salt on ice causes the ice to melt. Antifreeze solutions added are added to car radiators to protect them from sub zero temperatures. However lowering the freezing point in this manner is not supercooling.
It should be pointed out that even without additives water may not solidify when the temperature is 0oC or slightly below if the water is pure and not being agitated. What occurs is a standoff between the cyrstallizing forces of the molecular alignment based on hydrogen bonds and the decreasing volume that accompanies reduced molecular movement. This balance is very delicate. A speck of dust or a minor vibration can cause crystallization. Until this happens the water temperature can drop a degree or more below 0oC without crystallization. When water is in this condition it is said to be supercooled.
More Information About Water
Molecular Structure
The Three States
Sublimation
Supercooled Water
Heavy Water
Properties
Heat Capacity
Latent Heats
Solvent
Surface Tension
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