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Why Do Spikes Form On Ice Cubes?

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space-iconSpace and Physics
clock-iconPUBLISHEDMay 29, 2015

Why Do Spikes Form On Ice Cubes?

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Morenike Adebayo

Guest Author

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Shulevskyy Volodymyr on shutterstock

Did you know that ice crystals form at 60-degree angles? YouTube user Veritasium busts the enigma behind these curious formations in his latest video.

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And if you want to create these icy growths yourself, there are three key details to follow: use a freezer temperature of between 18 and 23 degrees Fahrenheit (-5 and -8 degrees Celsius), use distilled water and not tap water, and use a freezer with a fan. Then, impress your friends with spiky ice cubes at your next dinner party!

Check out the video from Veritasium below.

 

 
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ORIGINALLY PUBLISHEDMay 29, 2015

Written by Elise Andrew

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