Purpose
To lift an ice cube from a glass of water using a string.
Additional information
When ice and water come in contact, they are said to be in dynamic equilibrium with each other. During this phase, two processes take place simultaneously – the molecules on the surface of the ice escape into the water by the process of melting and the water molecules are captured on the surface of the ice by way of the process of freezing.
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Required materials
- Ice cubes
- Glass
- Water
- String
- Salt shaker
Estimated Experiment Time
Less than 10 minutes
Step-By-Step Procedure
- 1. Fill the glass with water
- 2. Put an ice cube into the glass
- 3. Place the string over the ice cube
- 4. Sprinkle salt on the portion of the ice cube where the string makes contact with it
- 5. Lift the string after a minute or two.
Note
Place the string on the ice cube in such a manner that the mid portion of it makes contact with the ice cube; leave both ends of the string on either side of the glass for an easy grasp.
Observation
The string will adhere to the ice cube at the area where salt was sprinkled on it.
Result
The ice surrounding the string starts to melt and as it extracts heat from the surrounding water, which in turn refreezes around the string. Subsequently the cube adheres tightly to the string and it can easily be lifted using this string.
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