You might guess “at 32°F.” That’s sort of right, but mostly wrong. Water is a dramatic overachiever. It often refuses to freeze at 32°F without a little nudge.
Pure water can chill to -40°F and still stay liquid. That’s called supercooling. It’s like water pretending to be tough, but one bad vibration ruins the act.
Why Your Ice Cubes Are Liars
Your freezer ice cubes freeze in about two to four hours. That’s the boring, normal speed. But do a little research, and you’ll find water can freeze in seconds.
It’s all about the “seed” crystal. When water hits a scratch or a speck of dust, the whole party changes instantly. That’s why a shaken soda can freezes solid the moment you open it on a frigid day. Pop goes the slushy!
