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arXiv:1003.3185physics.pop-ph

A search for the Mpemba effect: When hot water freezes faster then cold water

James D. Brownridge

Early discovery. Linked by one identifiable commenter. This paper is outside the main ranking; a mention is not an endorsement.

Abstract

An explanation for why hot water will sometime freeze more rapidly than cold water is offered. Two specimens of water from the same source will often have different spontaneous freezing temperatures; that is, the temperature at which freezing begins. When both specimens supercool and the spontaneous freezing temperature of the hot water is higher than that of the cold water, then the hot water will usually freeze first, if all other conditions are equal and remain so during cooling. The probability that the hot water will freeze first if it has the higher spontaneous freezing temperature will be larger for a larger difference in spontaneous freezing temperature. Heating the water may lower, raise or not change the spontaneous freezing temperature. The keys to observing hot water freezing before cold water are supercooling the water and having a significant difference in the spontaneous freezing temperature of the two water specimens. We observed hot water freezing before cold water 28 times in 28 attempts under the conditions described here.

arXiv comments
15 pages, 22 figures and Supplemental material
Journal reference
DOI
Subjects
physics.pop-phPopular Physics physics.ed-phPhysics Education

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    • Unlikely, see "When does hot water freeze faster then cold water? A search for the Mpemba effect" by James D. Brownridge: https://arxiv.org/abs/1003.3185

      joveianView on HNParent context

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