Re: How does a solid freezing faster than liquid apply to everyday life?

Janice reported:  Our experiment showed that the same amount of water froze faster than a 
hamburger patty. How do we apply this result to every day life?  

The report states clearly that the water froze faster than did the hamburger patty.  

Then Janice asked:  How does a solid freezing faster than liquid apply to everyday life?  

The question states clearly that the solid (the patty) froze faster.  

Which statement is correct?  Liquids freeze into solids.  Solids do not freeze.  A hamburger 
patty above 32ºF contains liquid water dispersed in a matrix of ground meat.  When that liquid 
water turns into ice we may say the patty will become stiff and we may the patty is frozen. 
 
In an earlier note I requested a clarification.  We have been in the middle of a terrible ice storm 
and I know I have missed several notes.  I am going to proceed with what I believe would have 
happened.

I am inclined to believe that the statement in the report is correct.  That is – I believe that a 
sample of water of the same size and shape as a hamburger patty with the same exposure to a 
suitable heat sink would freeze solid faster than would the hamburger patty.

Then – How do we apply this to everyday life?

This demonstrates that the transfer of heat through the patty is slowed by the matrix.  This 
slowing works both ways.  For example - this slowing:

Allows one to cook meat with a charcoal grill to various degrees of “doneness” since the meat is 
not heated uniformly instantaneously.

Allows one to fry a scoop of ice cream in deep fat and have a frozen center and a warm crisp 
surface.  [Be very careful.]