Longer Lasting Ice?

Most recent answer: 10/22/2007

Q:
How can we make ice last longer, other than insulation? Is there a substance that can be added to water that will make ice last longer? Respectfully, Larry
- Larry Sloan (age 54)
Des Moines, IA USA
A:
Other than improving insulation there’s not much else you can do.   The rate of melting of ice is proportional to the amount of heat absorbed by the ice per unit time divided by the heat of fusion.  The heat of fusion of water doesn’t change very much with the addition of impurities even though the freezing temperature does change. 

LeeH

(published on 10/22/2007)