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From: brian@digi-g.UUCP (Merlyn Leroy)
Newsgroups: net.physics
Subject: Re: Re: freezing hot water
Message-ID: <620@digi-g.UUCP>
Date: Tue, 28-May-85 12:28:01 EDT
Article-I.D.: digi-g.620
Posted: Tue May 28 12:28:01 1985
Date-Received: Sat, 1-Jun-85 00:15:53 EDT
References: <188@sdcarl.UUCP> <186@rruxo.UUCP> <1158@sjuvax.UUCP>
Reply-To: brian@digi-g.UUCP (brian)
Organization: Digigraphic Systems Corp., Mpls, MN
Lines: 19
Summary: 

>>> For God's sake, you *can't* freeze hot water faster than cold water! 
>>> (for the same reason you *can't* boil cold water faster!)
>
>No argument from me on that.
>

You will get one from me.  Freezing water involves more than just subtracting
energy from the water.  It has to form crystals.  Rapidly cooling warmer
water is thought to make crystal formation easier, thus warmer water 
can freeze faster than cold water (in some circumstances).  It is possible
to "supercool" water, down to about -40*.  Very pure, still, water slowly
cooled can be cooled below freezing without forming crystals.  Drop something
in, or give it a nudge-nudge, and it freezes almost instantly.

Water isn't just this stuff, I mean, it's got molecules & junk in it.
This makes the real answer more complex.  Try it in your fridge!

Merlyn Leroy
*F. or C., take your pick.