alijäähtymiseksi

Alijäähtymiseksi refers to the phenomenon where a liquid is cooled below its freezing point without solidifying. This unstable state occurs when the liquid does not contain any impurities or nucleation sites upon which ice crystals can form. In such conditions, the molecules of the liquid remain in a disordered, liquid state even though the temperature is below the normal freezing point.

The transition from a supercooled liquid to a solid can be triggered by external disturbances. This can include agitation, such as shaking the container, or the introduction of a seed crystal. The disturbance provides the necessary energy or a surface for the molecules to arrange themselves into a solid crystalline structure, initiating rapid freezing.

Supercooling is a common occurrence in everyday life, often observed with water. Distilled or deionized water is more prone to supercooling because it is free from dissolved minerals and other particles that typically act as nucleation centers. This principle is utilized in some applications, such as creating instant ice packs or in scientific research involving the study of phase transitions. The precise conditions required for supercooling depend on the substance, its purity, and the surrounding environment.