Have you ever considered the science behind snowflakes? Professor Carla Molteni, from @kingsnmes.bsky.social, is here with a flurry of frosty facts – answering whether all snowflakes are truly unique.
#KingsQs #ScienceAtKings #snowflakes #snow #ice #science #physics #weather
#KingsQs #ScienceAtKings #snowflakes #snow #ice #science #physics #weather
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“In the 17th century scientists like Johannes Kepler and Robert Hooke observed the hexagonal shape of snow crystals but could not explain it, as the details of the structure of matter at the molecular level were not understood."
“In atmospheric conditions, snow crystals really are uniquely different. This is because their growth is affected by the temperature and humidity that they experience during their journey in clouds, resulting in a huge variety of shapes.”
“Ice crystals are transparent because light can pass directly through them. However, with snow, light is scattered in different directions by many ice crystals assembled together, creating its signature white colour.”
“Ice is slippery because a thin layer of liquid water forms on top of ice surfaces at very low temperatures. This layer acts as a sort of lubricant – causing the ice to be very slippery.”