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  1. Naked Science Forum
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  3. Chemistry
  4. Why does my ice make spikes?
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Why does my ice make spikes?

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Offline ConcowMomma (OP)

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Why does my ice make spikes?
« on: 24/08/2017 00:39:46 »
Why does my ice do this? There's a distinct spike!

* IMG_4201.JPG (210.13 kB . 1440x1920 - viewed 2275 times)
« Last Edit: 24/08/2017 08:04:20 by chris »
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Offline chris

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Re: Why does my ice make spikes?
« Reply #1 on: 24/08/2017 08:13:58 »
Thank you for this lovely question - and photo - and welcome to the forum!

The reason that this happens is because the water in the icecube tray freezes first where it is in contact with the sides of the tray and also with the cold surrounding air.

This leaves a pool of unfrozen water in the centre of the forming ice-cube.

Remember that water expands as it freezes, so as more ice forms the remaining water has progressively less space to fit into.

This has the effect of squeezing the remaining water from the centre of the forming ice-cube up and out of the top of the cube; as the water squeezes out it freezes on contact with the surrounding ice, assembling an ice stalagmite.

Other ice-cube-related discussions and references from the Naked Scientists:
https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/index.php?topic=44990.0
https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/index.php?topic=839
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Offline ConcowMomma (OP)

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Re: Why does my ice make spikes?
« Reply #2 on: 24/08/2017 21:18:07 »
I understand the nature of water.... but this is so strange! It's happened twice, and Ive never seen it before this.  If the outside is frozen, how?why? is it breaking through to allow the stalagmite to even form? 
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Offline ConcowMomma (OP)

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Re: Why does my ice make spikes?
« Reply #3 on: 24/08/2017 21:24:21 »
Here's the first one.... the OP was the second occurrence.

* IMG_4346.JPG (125.94 kB . 852x1136 - viewed 2030 times)
« Last Edit: 24/08/2017 21:46:05 by chris »
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Offline ConcowMomma (OP)

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Re: Why does my ice make spikes?
« Reply #4 on: 24/08/2017 21:25:19 »
Different view
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Offline ConcowMomma (OP)

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Re: Why does my ice make spikes?
« Reply #5 on: 24/08/2017 21:27:39 »
First occurrence

* IMG_4345.JPG (125.77 kB, 852x1136 - viewed 152 times.)
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Tags: ice  / freezing  / icecube  / freezer  / icecube tray  / ice stalagmite 
 

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