Throwing Boiling Water Into The Cold: A Fascinating Winter Experiment

With temperatures across the country dropping into the single digits and even subzero figures, the frigidly cold weather resulting from an "Arctic blast" has been all anyone can talk about lately. As a way to make the cold snap more exciting, many people have taken to the outdoors to do a little science experiment: throwing boiling water into the freezing air to see the spectacular result. When hot water is sprayed into the air in such cold temperatures, it appears to instantly become a big white cloud.

While people may think that boiling water freezes immediately, that is not what is happening during this phenomenon. Jeff Terry, a professor of physics at the Illinois Institute of Technology, told the Los Angeles Times in 2019 that the hot water is quickly condensing into water droplets, essentially turning into steam. This surprising transformation captures the imagination and showcases the unique interaction between hot water and frigid air.

Water would have to be -42 F to immediately freeze. Instead, what happens is that the hot water condenses quickly into tiny droplets that form a cloud of steam in the air. This phenomenon is particularly impressive in states experiencing extreme cold, where temperatures can plummet below -14 F, allowing for a more dramatic visual effect as the steam crystallizes into ice particles.

Cold air has very little vapor in it, so when you throw the steaming hot water into the air, the water droplets create a larger surface area for steam to escape from. The vapor may then grab onto particles in the air, crystallizing and forming ice and snow particles that fall back to the ground. It's a beautiful display of nature's wonders, and many are eager to experience it firsthand.

However, this unique experiment is not without risks. If the wind is blowing towards you, the hot water can scald your skin before it has a chance to turn into steam, leading to burns for both the person throwing the water and bystanders. Additionally, water landing on exposed skin can increase the risk of frostbite, particularly in extremely low temperatures.

As highlighted by Jeff Schaider, chairman of emergency medicine at Cook County Health in Chicago, safety should always be a priority during such experiments. It’s essential to understand the potential dangers and take precautions to avoid injury while enjoying this winter curiosity.

In summary, throwing boiling water into freezing air can create stunning visual effects but should be approached with caution. This winter phenomenon not only fascinates but also serves as a reminder of the power of nature and the importance of safety in the face of adventure.