ice save oranges?

Question

how does ice save oranges? (actually... how does spraying oranges with water right before freezing save them?)

Answer 1

Flyboy is correct. When the water freezes it must loose heat. Since it is in direct contact with the orange it conducts the heat to the orange, heating the orange. Thus they are saved!

A problem arises when they thaw. Thawing involves the ice needing heat. It takes some from air, but because of direct contact with the orange, it will take heat from the orange and the orange will freeze. So the orange must be sprayed until it (the ice) thaws so the heat to thaw comes from the water, not the orange.

Get an "A".

Answer 2

Water gives up about 80 calories per gram when changing from the liquid to solid state at 0C. Most of energy given up by the freezing water is absorbed by the oranges, which keeps them from freezing. If the temperature continues to drop the oranges are going to freeze sprayed or not.

Answer 3

If the temperature doesn't drop too low, the ice also insulates the oranges from the colder air.