Theory & Background
Have you ever wondered about the amazing properties of water? 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.
Required Materials
- Ice cubes
- Glass
- Water
- String
- Salt shaker
Estimated Time
Less than 10 minutes
Step-By-Step Procedure
Fill the glass with water
Put an ice cube into the glass
Place the string over the ice cube
Sprinkle salt on the portion of the ice cube where the string makes contact with it
Lift the string after a minute or two.
Experiment Tips
- 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 & Conclusion
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.