jfp@emory.UUCP (08/22/83)
While it is general knowledge that boiling water
freezes faster than cold water, many seem to have overlooked
the obvious corollory that ice boils faster than water. Has
anybody noticed this? The reason of course is that the con-
ductance of ice is higher, and the convection current set up
in the newly formed water continues to provide faster circu-
lation of heat even after all the ice has turned to water.
Experimental evidence appears in the Journal of Irreconcil-
able Results. In fact, such practical arguments are not
necessary, as the fact follows from general physical princi-
ples on the reversibility of processes (provided you really
believe that boiling water freezes faster).
I've been boiling ice for years, and find that not only
does it boil faster, but the taste is so much better! None
of those nasty bacteria and minerals you find in common or
garden liquid H2O. Novices should be warned against placing
ice-cube trays directly on the burner (unless they're
metal). A large, flat kettle is the ideal boiler - it
really gets those convection currents going! Forward plan-
ning is necessary - one should get in a good supply of snow
in the winter to last out the summer months. I've heard
that real afficionados covet polar ice - the hint of salt
adds that little bit of interest to the flavour, not to men-
tion the slight gain in boiling time.
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John Pedersen {sb1,sb6}!emory!jfplevy@princeton.UUCP (08/23/83)
Since John Pedersen mentions the Journal of Irreproducible Results, here goes -- does anybody know how I can get copies or a subscription? I came across a few issues somewhere, but didn't bother writing down the address. It's a great publication... Always in search for truth, --Silvio Levy
mmt@dciem.UUCP (Martin Taylor) (08/26/83)
Subscription address to the Journal of Irreproducible Results is irreproducible ... sometimes. Martin Taylor