Melting of Ice
Most recent answer: 07/27/2011
Q:
Supposing the temperature is stable will ice melt at a constant rate regardless of its mass? How can one measure this melting rate and it's fluctuation?
- Jaclyn (age 24)
Toronto Ontario Canada
- Jaclyn (age 24)
Toronto Ontario Canada
A:
Hello Jaclyn,
There are many things that affect the melting rate of ice. Besides the air temperature there is the temperature of its support, air currents, the surface area, etc.
One way to measure the melting rate would be to put it on a scale, let the water drip off and weigh the left-over block from time to time. Another might be to collect the water from the melt and either weigh it or measure it in a graduated beaker. You can vary some of the external variables and see which ones have the most effect. Sounds like a fun project.
LeeH
There are many things that affect the melting rate of ice. Besides the air temperature there is the temperature of its support, air currents, the surface area, etc.
One way to measure the melting rate would be to put it on a scale, let the water drip off and weigh the left-over block from time to time. Another might be to collect the water from the melt and either weigh it or measure it in a graduated beaker. You can vary some of the external variables and see which ones have the most effect. Sounds like a fun project.
LeeH
(published on 07/27/2011)