Why is Ice White? - Exploring the Mystery

Thread starter Sam Ku.D
Start date Mar 8, 2014
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Ice

In summary, the white color in the middle of ice cubes is caused by the scattering of light from tiny gas bubbles inside. This is similar to the reason why sugar or salt granules, bubble baths, clouds, and snow appear white. When viewed under red light, ice may not appear white. The process of boiling and removing gases from water before freezing it can result in transparent ice, but it may be difficult to achieve without creating stress fractures. Removing soluble gases from water is more difficult than creating a vacuum, which can be proven by wrapping a hand around a vacuumed water sample and causing a liquid layer to form.

Mar 12, 2014

UltrafastPED

Science Advisor

Gold Member

Try http://www.instructables.com/id/make-crystal-clear-ice!/

Or http://gizmodo.com/5945245/how-to-make-the-perfect-ice-cube

Opinions vary - some explanations are here: http://blog.khymos.org/2008/04/13/ice-cubes-and-air-bubbles/

<h2> Why is ice white?</h2><p>Ice appears white because it reflects all wavelengths of visible light. When light hits ice, the molecules in the ice scatter the light in different directions, making it appear white to our eyes.</p><h2> Is all ice white?</h2><p>No, not all ice is white. Ice can also appear blue, green, or even black. This is due to impurities or air bubbles trapped within the ice. These impurities absorb some of the light, giving the ice a different color.</p><h2> Does the temperature of ice affect its color?</h2><p>Yes, the temperature of ice can affect its color. When ice is under extreme pressure, it can become transparent and appear blue, as seen in glaciers. Additionally, as ice melts and refreezes, the size and distribution of air bubbles can change, causing the ice to appear different colors.</p><h2> Why does ice on a frozen lake sometimes appear clear?</h2><p>Ice on a frozen lake can appear clear because it forms in layers. When the top layer of ice is smooth and free of impurities, it can reflect light without scattering it, making it appear transparent. This is also why ice cubes made in trays with filtered water may appear clearer than those made with tap water.</p><h2> Can ice ever appear black?</h2><p>Yes, ice can appear black. In areas with high levels of air pollution, soot particles can settle on the surface of the ice, absorbing more light and making it appear black. Additionally, ice that is covered by a layer of water or dirt can also appear black due to the lack of light reflecting off its surface.</p>

FAQ: Why is Ice White? - Exploring the Mystery

Why is ice white?

Ice appears white because it reflects all wavelengths of visible light. When light hits ice, the molecules in the ice scatter the light in different directions, making it appear white to our eyes.

Is all ice white?

No, not all ice is white. Ice can also appear blue, green, or even black. This is due to impurities or air bubbles trapped within the ice. These impurities absorb some of the light, giving the ice a different color.

Does the temperature of ice affect its color?

Yes, the temperature of ice can affect its color. When ice is under extreme pressure, it can become transparent and appear blue, as seen in glaciers. Additionally, as ice melts and refreezes, the size and distribution of air bubbles can change, causing the ice to appear different colors.

Why does ice on a frozen lake sometimes appear clear?

Ice on a frozen lake can appear clear because it forms in layers. When the top layer of ice is smooth and free of impurities, it can reflect light without scattering it, making it appear transparent. This is also why ice cubes made in trays with filtered water may appear clearer than those made with tap water.

Can ice ever appear black?

Yes, ice can appear black. In areas with high levels of air pollution, soot particles can settle on the surface of the ice, absorbing more light and making it appear black. Additionally, ice that is covered by a layer of water or dirt can also appear black due to the lack of light reflecting off its surface.