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For Science! Thermodynamics - the ‘sticky ice’ experiment

Today we are delving into an experiment that is a study in Thermodynamics which is defined as the branch of physical science that deals with the relations between heat and other forms of energy (such as mechanical, electrical, or chemical energy), and, by extension, of the relationships between all forms of energy.

To explore this concept we are conducting the “Sticky Ice” experiment. Here’s how you would recreate it within your home or classroom.

Materials:

  • 1 small bowl of salt
  • 1 bowl of water
  • 1 bowl of ice
  • 1 piece of string
For Science: Sticky Ice

First, place the ice into the bowl of water. While it acclimates ask your child or student to try and pull a piece of ice out of the bowl without touching anything except the string.

Now place the string on top of a piece of the floating ice and sprinkle salt on top liberally.

Next, wait a minute for the reaction to occur.

Have your child or student lift the string out of the bowl and VOILA the ice has stuck to the string because the sale melted the ice, but the cold water surrounding it refroze the ice around the string.