ELI5. running water doesn’t freeze

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I know water freezes at 32F (0C). But it can be colder than that and not freeze, but the water is moving. Why is that? Friction of water molecules?

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2 Answers

Anonymous 0 Comments

When water freezes, the molecules are just interlocking into a crystallized formation.

When water is moving, there’s a ton of turbulence moving the molecules around that makes it more difficult for them to align themselves into the right pattern to form a crystal.

Think of it like trying to do a jigsaw puzzle in an airplane experiencing turbulence. The shaking makes it hard to get the pieces to slot together.

Anonymous 0 Comments

Running water can freeze, it is just more difficult to freeze, water turning to ice is basically water molecules grabbing onto the ones next to them and “locking arms” with them if the other molecule is moving rapidly it is difficult to lock onto it.