As an expert sommelier and brewer, I have had my fair share of experience with water and its freezing process. When it comes to boiling water, the time it takes to freeze can vary depending on a few factors. Let's dive into the details.
Water freezes at 0 degrees Celsius or 32 degrees Fahrenheit. So, in order for boiling water to freeze, it needs to be cooled down to these temperatures or below. The temperature of the freezer plays a crucial role in determining how long it takes for boiling water to freeze.
If the water is at a boiling point of 100 degrees Celsius or 212 degrees Fahrenheit, it will take some time for it to cool down to the freezing point. Once the water is removed from the heat source, it will start losing heat to the surrounding environment. The rate at which it cools down will depend on factors such as the room temperature, the container it is in, and the volume of water.
In my personal experience, it usually takes around 45 minutes to an hour for boiling water to reach the freezing point in a typical freezer set to below 0 degrees Celsius. However, it's important to note that this can vary depending on the specific conditions.
If the water is not at its boiling point but still quite hot, the cooling process will take longer. For example, if the water is at around 80 degrees Celsius or 176 degrees Fahrenheit, it might take closer to 1.5 to 2 hours to freeze in a freezer at the same temperature.
It's worth mentioning that hot water does have a slight advantage over cold water when it comes to freezing. This is because hot water has less dissolved gases and minerals compared to cold water, which can promote the formation of ice crystals. However, the difference in freezing time between hot and cold water is generally minimal.
Additionally, the container in which the boiling water is placed can also affect the freezing time. A shallow container will allow for faster heat transfer and cooling compared to a deeper container. So, if you're in a hurry to freeze boiling water, using a shallow dish or tray can expedite the process.
The time it takes for boiling water to freeze depends on various factors such as the initial temperature of the water, the temperature of the freezer, the container used, and the surrounding environment. On average, it can take around 45 minutes to an hour for boiling water to reach the freezing point in a typical freezer set to below 0 degrees Celsius. However, it's important to keep in mind that these times are approximate and can vary based on the specific conditions.