Question

Explain why ice at zero degree centigrade has greater cooling effect than water at zero degree centigrade.

Answer 1

Both ice and liquid water can exist at 0 degrees C. However, ice has a very significant heat of fusion the number of calories required to melt melt each gram, whereas water has only its 1 calorie per gram per degree C specific heat. Therefore, ice which must melt before it can go above 0 degrees must absorb much more heat to increase its temperature than water at 0 degrees. In consequence, ice is far more effective as a cooling agent.