Will a falling drop of water freeze before it hits the ground if the temperature is below freezing point?

Question

Since water freezes at zero degree Celsius (or 32 degrees Fahrenheit), let's say I bring a thermo flask with water up to the roof of a 3 storey building during one cold day (say it's -20 degrees outside). I release one drop of water to the ground. Will the drop of water freeze as it falls? Or will it generate enough energy to stay as a liquid before it splats on the ground and then freeze?

Answer 1

If it has any impurities in it, it will freeze in flight. If pure, it will get super cooled and freeze upon impact. That's how power lines get an ice cover.

Answer 2

Actually what you are seeing is only part of the process. Irrigation prior to a freeze is best done a couple of days prior to the freeze. Moist soil will hold more heat than dry soil, if the farmer has time to irrigate and let the sun warm up the moist soil. Irrigation just prior to a freeze can actually cool the soil, as wind blows over the soil surface, evaporating the water. Water sprayed on the leaves can protect any plant from freeze damage, with a couple of VERY important provisos. Water has to be applied CONTINUOUSLY after the temps reach freezing to the point at which temps rise above freezing, usually the following morning. The continuous flow of water keeps the ice which forms, and therefore the plant, at 32 degrees. Without the continuous water flow the temperature will continue to drop, causing MORE damage to the plant than would have occurred if no water was applied. Also it takes a lot of water to cold protect with this method. Something like one inch per hour. If less water is used, the temps drop and the freeze/ice damage will be more severe than if no water was applied. Modern citrus groves use micro-sprinklers placed under the trees. These are turned on during a freeze, and help keep temperatures above freezing under the canopy of the tree. In a severe freeze (citrus is not damaged until 27 degrees F) outer branches and fruit may be damaged, but the trunk and main branches can be saved.

Answer 3

well rite here where i live when it gets to 40 below u need not climb the roof, take a spitle and when it lands u think u dropped a glass on a concrete floor. oh Canada.

Answer 4

I believe that's either snow or sleet.

Answer 5

could freeze on your face

Answer 6

That is how snow and sleet are made.