MadSci Network: Chemistry |
Yes, an ice cube can drop in temperature, if it is put in liquid nitrogen. When ice cubes are made, water is put in a freezer which is below the freezing point of water, 0 degrees Celsius (32 degrees Farenheit). The freezer cools the water, and when it gets to 0 degrees Celsius it begins to freeze. The water remains at 0 degrees Celsius untill all of it freezes. Because the freezer is below 0 degrees Celsius, the ice cubes are then further cooled to the temperature of the freezer. By puting an ice cube in liquid nitrogen, you would be putting it into another, much colder, "freezer". The temperature of the cube would drop to the temperature of the liquid nitrogen. The cube might crack or change in appearance, but its temperature would certainly drop. Sorry that it has taken me a while to answer this question. Jerry Franzen Chemistry Department Thomas More College Crestview Hills, KY 41017 606-344-3377 franzenj@thomasmore.edu
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