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    Home » Science Experiments for Kids » Chemistry » The illusion of Hot Ice

    The illusion of Hot Ice

    March 20, 2012 By Emma Vanstone 9 Comments

    We love a science experiment that seems like a magic trick, and this activity is one of the best. We’re going to find out how to make hot ice.

    Imagine saying to people, ‘I can make hot ice!’ They wouldn’t believe you would they?

    As far as science theory goes, they shouldn’t, we know that in order for ice to exist, it has to be at 0oC and that when heated it melts.

    Note – this activity does not make ice, just something that resembles ice. It is NOT edible, so please discard the solution when you have finished experimenting.

    How to make hot ice

    To make hot ice, you will need

    1 litre of acetic acid (white vinegar)

    4 tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda ( baking soda )

    Pan

    Hob to heat the mixture

    Jug

    Fridge

    Spoon

    How to make hot ice

    Pour the white vinegar into the pan.

    Carefully add the bicarbonate of soda, half a tablespoon at a time and stir the mixture until it has all dissolved.

    The baking soda and vinegar will fizz as they react together, which is why you need to add the baking soda slowly. You have now made a solution called sodium acetate. Carbon dioxide gas is also given off.

    Simmer the solution on the hob until it has reduced to about 100ml. This should take about one hour. The solution is now supersaturated!

    Once the mixture has reduced down, pour it into a jug, cover it and place it in a fridge to cool for 1 hour.

    Once cooled, you can pretend the liquid is water to your friends and pour it out onto a surface. It should begin to crystallise straight away, forming towers of ‘ice’. It looks and feels hot because the reaction gives off heat. It is exothermic.

    solution of sodium acetate with crystals forming
    Crystallisation!
    Crystals of sodium acetate being poured out of a jug
    Hot Ice!

    The great thing is you can remelt the ‘icicles’  to reuse when you want to perform the trick again! We put the jug in the microwave for 40 seconds to dissolve the crystals and then placed it back in the fridge for an hour.

    If pouring isn’t working, try warming up your finger and gently touching the surface of the liquid. It should start to crystallise from your finger and spread outwards.

    sodium acetate crystals in a jug

    How does hot ice work?

    Sodium acetate exists as a supercool liquid in the fridge, meaning that it is in liquid form below its usual freezing point. As soon as it is disturbed, it starts to crystallise. The crystallisation is an exothermic reaction which is why we call it hot ice!

    Sodium acetate usually freezes at 54oC, but as you have seen can exist in the supercool form below that temperature.

    Uses of sodium acetate

    • Sodium acetate is used in heat packs and hand warmers. Heating pads usually have a metal disc in them, which, when clicked, starts the crystallisation process, releasing heat. Hand warmers can usually be reused by boiling the pouch to melt the contents.
    • As a flavouring in food.

    Images of hot ice in a jug. This is sodium acetate made from white vinegar and baking soda that has been supercooled in a fridge. It crystallises disturbed

    Last Updated on March 15, 2023 by Emma Vanstone

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    Safety Notice

    Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

    These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. maryanne @ mama smiles

      March 30, 2012 at 12:08 pm

      Very cool kitchen chemistry!

      Reply
    2. Andrea @ No Doubt Learning

      April 01, 2012 at 10:02 pm

      This is neat – I bet my kids would get a kick out of it! Thanks for the idea!

      Reply
    3. Actually Mummy...

      April 02, 2012 at 1:25 pm

      That really is cool. Congrats on being nominated in the Schooldays category of the Mads. *bows out gracefully* 😉

      Reply
      • ScienceSparks

        April 04, 2012 at 12:50 pm

        Thank you, stiff competition! 🙂

        Reply
        • ScienceSparks

          April 04, 2012 at 12:50 pm

          Thank you

          Reply
      • ScienceSparks

        April 05, 2012 at 8:49 pm

        Thank you…I’m sure there is no need to bow out though. xx

        Reply
        • Sarah

          May 15, 2017 at 12:53 pm

          Hey!

          Reply
    4. Carrie

      April 06, 2012 at 1:57 am

      What a fun “trick”! Thank you for sharing at Sharing Saturday!! I hope you will share with us again this week!

      Reply
    5. Jenny @ The Brick Castle

      March 20, 2013 at 2:56 pm

      That is so cool…. 😀

      Reply

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