demonstrations:boiling_water_with_ice

Boiling Water with Ice

Materials: ★★☆ Available in most school laboratories or specialist stores
Difficulty: ★★☆ Can be done by science teachers
Safety: ★★★ Only to be attempted with adequate safety procedures and trained staff

Categories: Heat, Pressure and Fluids

Alternative titles: Lowering Boiling Point with Pressure

Summary

After water is boiled in a sealed flask, the flask is inverted and ice is placed on its base. The cooling reduces the pressure inside, causing the water to boil again at a lower temperature.

Procedure

  1. Fill a flat-bottomed glass flask with water and bring it to a boil using a hot plate.
  2. Remove the flask from the heat and immediately seal it with a bung.
  3. Allow the flask to cool slightly for about a minute.
  4. Invert the flask and secure it on a ring stand.
  5. Place ice cubes on the flat bottom of the flask.
  6. Observe as the water begins to boil again, despite cooling.

Boiling Water Using Ice - mrsciguy:


Boiling Water with Ice - Pueblo Science:


📄 Boiling Water with Ice - MettLink: https://www.metlink.org/experiment/boiling-water-with-ice/

Variations

  • Try the experiment at different starting water volumes to compare boiling intensity.
  • Relate the experiment to high-altitude cooking by simulating different pressure conditions.

Safety Precautions

  • Use heatproof gloves when handling hot glassware.
  • Ensure the flask is borosilicate glass to withstand thermal stress.
  • Perform the experiment on a heatproof mat.
  • Handle boiling water carefully to avoid burns.
  • Do not continue boiling the water once the flak has been stoppered.

Questions to Consider

  • Why does the water start boiling again when ice is applied? (The cooling reduces internal pressure, lowering the boiling point of water.)
  • How does this experiment relate to atmospheric pressure? (At higher altitudes, lower air pressure lowers the boiling point of water, just like in the flask.)
  • Why is it difficult to brew tea properly on Mount Everest? (At 330 mb, water boils at about 70°C, too cool to extract flavor effectively.)
  • What real-world systems rely on pressure to change boiling points? (Vacuum distillation, refrigeration, and pressure cookers.)