what freezes first a cup of boiling water or a cup of cold water?

Question

if i put one hot cup of boiling water and one cup of cold water in my freezer which will freeze first

Answer 1

I've heard that its the boiling water that freezes first.

I think because the water molecules are hot (i.e. they are moving fast) the energy (or heat) will escape (move to equilibrium with other items in the freezer) at a faster rate than the water molecules in colder cup of water.

But really I'm mostly guessing with my explanation.

Answer 2

The cup of cold water will freeze first.

If we say cold water is at 5C, then the fridge only needs to bring the temperature down to 0C (water) and then convert it to 0C (ice). If the boiling water is 100C, then the fridge needs to bring it down to 5C and then follow the same path as the cold water. As you can see, the boiling water has to cool down this extra step before it even gets to the same starting point as the cold water.

NOW... There would be a different answer if you asked "what freezes first, a cup of *recently boiled* water or a cup of cold water, *if both started at the same temperature*".

Answer 3

The cup of boiling water will freeze faster.

Answer 4

Boiling water

Answer 5

Boiling water

Answer 6

the cup of boiling water

Answer 7

hehehe obviously the cold water. Logically.

Answer 8

the hot water

Answer 9

the cold water, obviously

Answer 10

The cold one, I've done a little research too...check for yourself though. Google it.