Question with the "Mpemba Effect' experiment

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Bananadifa
Posts: 2
Joined: Sun Feb 13, 2011 8:47 am
Occupation: Student 8th grade
Project Question: The Mpemba effect-Does hot water freeze faster than cold.
Project Due Date: Tomorrow
Project Status: I am conducting my experiment

Question with the "Mpemba Effect' experiment

Post by Bananadifa »

I have a quick question about the Mpemba effect experiment, which investigates whether hot water can freeze faster than cold water. One of the comments made past experiments was to keep the freezer shut as much as possible. How would I do this if I am going to check the temperature at every time interval? (5 minutes.)
Also, if I get a result that contradicts my hypothesis that hot water WILL freeze faster, should I change my variable or conditions? Thanks.
deleted-71934
Former Expert
Posts: 10
Joined: Tue Sep 07, 2010 11:49 am
Occupation: Student 12th grade
Project Question: Thermal and noise insulation properties of materials and the relationship between these two different properties
Project Due Date: February,2011
Project Status: I am conducting my research

Re: Question with the "Mpemba Effect' experiment

Post by deleted-71934 »

Hello, to help try to keep the freezer shut as much as possible, do things such as not open the door all the way when you take your measurements and also try to take your measurements as fast as possible while still maintaining a high degree of accuracy. Also, if your experiment shows results which are contradictory to your hypothesis, do not go back and change your experiment. A hypothesis is an educated guess, not a definite answer, so there is all ways the possibility that your experiment will contradict what you stated previously in your hypothesis.
deleted-71487
Former Expert
Posts: 214
Joined: Wed Aug 24, 2005 3:07 pm

Re: Question with the "Mpemba Effect' experiment

Post by deleted-71487 »

Another approach to take would be to use an electronic thermometer with a remote temperature probe so you don't have to open the freezer at all.

One thing to note: the Mpemba Effect is notoriously difficult to reproduce, so don't be discouraged if it takes several tries with slightly varied conditions, or even never succeeds at all. Science is especially useful when it shows negative results. Just keep close track of your conditions and record them carefully, and you'll have a good experiment whether you get the effect to happen or not.
../ray\..
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