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Chapter 17: Problem 7

Your roommate claims that ice and snow must be at \(0^{\circ} \mathrm{C} .\) Is that true?

Short Answer

Expert verified
No, the claim is not correct. While ice crystallization and snowfall can start at \(0^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\), both can further cool and exist at temperatures below the freezing point if surrounding conditions permit.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding the states of water

The first misconception to clarify is that water can exist in three different states: solid (as ice), liquid (as water), and gas (as vapor). From a microscopic perspective, these states are determined by the motion and arrangement of water molecules. At \(0^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\), under normal atmospheric conditions, water molecules slow down enough to form a rigid structure, turning from liquid to solid ice.
02

About the freezing point and temperature

Next, it's important to understand the concept of freezing point and temperature. When water freezes or snow falls, this happens at \(0^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\) under typical atmospheric pressure. However, once they've formed, ice and snow can get colder if the environment around them is colder.
03

Conclusion

So, although ice forms and snow falls at \(0^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\), they can afterward adjust to the surrounding temperature, which can be below freezing. Therefore, the claim that ice and snow must always be at \(0^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\) is incorrect.

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