Incredible Icebergs

In Topic, we have been learning about icebergs and how they melt. We have carried out a small experiment using drink-sized ice-cubes to test whether they melt quicker in salty water or normal tap water. We found out that ice-cubes floating in salty water took longer to melt (approximately 20 minutes) than ice-cubes floating in normal tap water (10 minutes). This is because the cold freshwater from the ice cube floats on top of the saltwater. Therefore, the ice cube sits in a pool of cold water, blocking the heat from the saltwater (room temperature) from getting to the ice cube. However, in normal tap-water the cold water sinks to the bottom of the beaker and pushes up the warmer water to the top where it melts the ice cube quicker.

 

By William