How does a water droplet freeze on a surface without going into too much detail?

In summary, freezing of a water droplet on a surface can occur through a combination of heat transfer, nucleation process, and presence of icing ions. The process is complex and can involve various forms of heat loss, not just conductive. Icing nuclei can speed up the process, but are not always necessary.
  • #1
thephysicsman
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Is it correct to say that a water droplet on a surface freezes by heat transfer from the droplet through the water-substrate interface, and a subsequent nucleation process whereby minute particles on the surface (or the surface roughness) acts as nucleation centers?

Do you know of a website/article that explains this without going in too much detail?
 
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  • #2
thephysicsman said:
Is it correct to say that a water droplet on a surface freezes by heat transfer from the droplet through the water-substrate interface, and a subsequent nucleation process whereby minute particles on the surface (or the surface roughness) acts as nucleation centers?

Sometimes. The heat loss does not have to be conductive. It can also be radiative, loss of enthalpy via vaporization, or any combination of the three. Icing nuclei are good, and tend to speed things up, but they are not necessary. Sometimes all it takes is the presence of sufficient icing ions (H15O7+). Freezing is a complex phenomena, and does not have simple answers.
 

FAQ: How does a water droplet freeze on a surface without going into too much detail?

What causes water droplets to freeze?

Water droplets freeze when the temperature of the surrounding air is at or below 0 degrees Celsius. This causes the molecules in the droplets to slow down and form a solid, crystalline structure.

Can water droplets freeze at temperatures above 0 degrees Celsius?

Yes, water droplets can freeze at temperatures above 0 degrees Celsius if they come into contact with a surface that is even colder, such as a frozen object or a surface treated with a freezing agent.

What is the process of freezing water droplets?

The process of freezing water droplets is called nucleation. This is when the molecules in the droplets start to form a crystal lattice structure, which then spreads throughout the droplet until it is completely frozen.

Can the freezing of water droplets be influenced by external factors?

Yes, the freezing of water droplets can be influenced by external factors such as the temperature and humidity of the surrounding air, as well as the presence of impurities or substances that can act as nucleation sites.

How is the freezing of water droplets important in nature and in technology?

The freezing of water droplets is important in nature as it plays a crucial role in the water cycle and the formation of snow and ice. In technology, it is important for processes such as cryopreservation and freeze-drying, as well as in the development of new materials and technologies that utilize freezing for various applications.

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