Hypothetical question #2
 

Why is it when you throw a cup of hot water in the air in -40 temperature it freezes immediately (turns it to a fog) but when you throw a cup of room temp water in the air it does not freeze? I have observed this in Fairbanks on -40 days and am wondering how to explain it. I think it has something to do with the vapor point of hot water.

Never having experienced -40, I have no idea. Furthermore, if I were to experience -40, my Florida aclimated brain would freeze and I'd still have no idea. :D

skybolt

Smoke and mirrors, just smoke and mirrors.

Mike, doesnt make a whole lot of sense. The mass of the water should freeze almost instantly; in both cases at that temp, I would think. I have never been in weather that cold:) and i hope I never do. I should know the answer to your question, but i dont. Im going to look into it, I would like to know.

dittidano

I was going to pretend to be the smart guy and paste some Internet Flotsum off as my own....but it's easier to post the link :D

http://math.ucr.edu/home/baez/physic...hot_water.html

As a postscript.....Google is awsome!