2006-08-28 14:43:04 · 10 answers · asked by simodymo 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
Gravitational effect on the dripping water. Ice accumulates greater where the water initially freezes and then follows down the length, melting and re-freezing as it goes, all in symmetry. More cycles repeat this same way and the icicle grows longer, wider and keeping it's uniform shape..
2006-08-28 14:48:37 · answer #1 · answered by J.D. 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is the same principle as stalactites and stalagmites. As water drips, falls, and freezes, it just gradually builds upon itself until a cone shape is made. For the icicle to keep attached to the whatever, it must have a strong base, which is where much of the water will freeze and stay, but other drops of water will slowly build onto that particular base and build downward. As more and more water is added, it just naturally widens higher up and lengthens.
2006-08-28 14:58:28 · answer #2 · answered by hallooin_bran 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Its the result of gravity shaping the almost frozen liquid drop of water. The surface tension of the drop of water fights gravity and causes the drop of water to elongates until it freezes. The next drop runs down the side of the previously frozen drop, with some portion of the drop freezing along the way. This process continues causing the icicle to grow.
2006-08-28 14:55:21 · answer #3 · answered by pheelingud 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The key for icicles and stalagtites is that all the action happens on the surface. Most of the cone is already frozen or solidified, so the only place for water to go is on the surface. If the flow rate is slow compared to the rate of freezing or evaporation, the cone will be wide. Otherwise, it will be long and narrow.
2006-08-28 17:07:46 · answer #4 · answered by Frank N 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
lower back in 1977, as quickly as we had a chilly iciness reminiscent of this, we had an icicle that reached from the rain gutter alongside the roof line to the floor. in case you look with the aid of an icicle, it turns right into a prism and you will see the completed spectrum of hues. ;-)
2016-12-14 13:51:36 · answer #5 · answered by rickert 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is believed that they evolved this way in the ice age so that cave men could use the icicles as weapons to kill their prey with.
2006-08-28 14:51:00 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Because they freeze as they drip.
2006-08-28 14:48:37 · answer #7 · answered by day by day 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because of gravity.
2006-08-28 14:48:24 · answer #8 · answered by shill13 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
cos thats how they drip they wouldn't drip in squares now would they
2006-08-28 14:46:59 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
becuse they are made by liquid water
2006-08-28 14:48:13 · answer #10 · answered by Renegade 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋