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From: morse@leadsv.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.physics
Subject: More on freezing water
Message-ID: <467@leadsv.UUCP>
Date: Wed, 5-Jun-85 18:56:14 EDT
Article-I.D.: leadsv.467
Posted: Wed Jun  5 18:56:14 1985
Date-Received: Sun, 9-Jun-85 13:40:56 EDT
Distribution: na
Organization: LMSC, Sunnyvale CA
Lines: 25
Keywords: water freezing evaporation paradox

We have somewhat established that the dominant factor in hot water's
freezing faster than cold is evaporation.  The hot water is at a higher
temperature, and thus evaporates more quickly.  The remaining water
has a lower "thermal mass" and thus turns to ice sooner.

Now, what is this thing called evaporation?  I believe that it is a mass
diffusion process rather than a heat transfer process.  A body of water
will continue to evaporate until it has come to equilibrium with the
surrounding air.  So here are some questions to ponder:

Will water evaporate faster into warm dry air or cold dry air?

What is the humidity in a freezer?  Does it promote or hinder
evaporation compared to room air?

Does more water evaporate from a swimming pool on a cool night or on a
hot day? (Say that the pool stays the same temperature)

	Let's get a good discussion going!!!
-- 

Terry Morse  (408)743-1487

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