Naked Science Forum

General Discussion & Feedback => Radio Show & Podcast Feedback => Topic started by: MagicGandalf on 20/01/2006 01:40:38

Title: Undercooled Water
Post by: MagicGandalf on 20/01/2006 01:40:38

Hello,

I really enjoy listening to your radio show as a podcast. Especially those kitchen experiements are of great fun. I was wondering if you could make a show explaining how to prepare undercooled water at home. If not, maybe some other visitor with experiences may share his insights.

Regards from Germany,

Malte

Title: Re: Undercooled Water
Post by: chris on 20/01/2006 16:49:05

Thanks so much for the feedback, I'm glad you like the show.

However, I'm going to have to confess that I don't know what "undercooled water" is ? Perhaps someone can bring me up to speed ?

Chris

"I never forget a face, but in your case I'll make an exception"
 - Groucho Marx

Title: Re: Undercooled Water
Post by: daveshorts on 02/02/2006 19:36:13

I think he means supercooled water - you can cool very pure clean water to below zero, as nucleating ice crystals is difficult, so may not happen if the water is very clean. If you drop in a crystal it will freeze very quickly. I think it is quite hard to do with water - I haven't tried - but it is very easy to do with sodium acetate (the stuff that makes salt and vinegar crisps taste of salt and vinegar) solution.... hmm I think there is definitely a radio experiment there listen out for it.

Title: Re: Undercooled Water
Post by: MagicGandalf on 03/02/2006 09:42:01

Hi daveshorts,

thanks a lot for resolving the issue. I definitely meant supercooled water - or liquids in general, but came up with this erraneous translation. I'm looking forward to trying my hand at this experiment.

Thanks,

Malte