Freezing

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File:SuperCool 2009-01-02.ogv Freezing is a phase transition in which a liquid turns into a solid when its temperature is lowered below its freezing point. This process is the reverse of melting, where a solid turns into a liquid. Freezing is a common phenomenon in nature and has significant implications in various fields, including meteorology, biology, and engineering.

Mechanism of Freezing[edit | edit source]

Freezing occurs when the molecules of a liquid lose enough thermal energy to form a rigid crystalline structure. The temperature at which this happens is known as the freezing point. For water, the freezing point is 0°C (32°F) under standard atmospheric conditions. However, the freezing point can be affected by factors such as pressure and the presence of impurities.

Supercooling[edit | edit source]

In some cases, a liquid can be cooled below its freezing point without solidifying. This phenomenon is known as supercooling. Supercooled liquids are in a metastable state and can rapidly freeze when disturbed or when nucleation sites are introduced.

Applications of Freezing[edit | edit source]

Freezing has numerous practical applications:

Freezing in Nature[edit | edit source]

Freezing plays a crucial role in the natural world:

Related Phenomena[edit | edit source]

  • Frost: The deposition of ice crystals on surfaces when the temperature drops below the freezing point of water vapor.
  • Hypothermia: A medical condition that occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, leading to dangerously low body temperatures.
  • Ice formation: The process by which water transitions from a liquid to a solid state, forming ice.

See Also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

External Links[edit | edit source]


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