Seeing as water freezes at zero centigrade and anything added lowers the freezing point how cold would it have to be to freeze a cup of espresso?
2007-02-11 04:55:08 · 6 answers · asked by Darren C 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Other - Science
I think the freezing temperature of a cup of coffee-especially expresso--would be slightly lower because even though water freezes at 32 degrees F. (0 degrees C ), you have formed, in reality, a new solution. Furthermore, the average cup of coffee contains a variety of compounds and components, none more popular than caffeine. It is estimated that a cup of coffee contains between 90 to 150 milligrams of caffeine, depending upon the type of bean, as well as the processing and roasting methods. Expresso is extra strong and more dense coffee.
But caffeine isn't the only noteworthy component of your cup of coffee. Coffee also contains a selection of flavonoids and polyphenolic compounds that are commonly found in fruits, vegetables and certain other foods and drinks.
So I reason that these extra compounds (which may act as electrolytes) would indeed lower the freezing temp of the coffee. By how much? I don't know. My guess is as much as a degree or so.
2007-02-11 05:40:03 · answer #1 · answered by HoneyBunny 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The freezing point of pure water at sea level (1 atmospheric pressure) is 0 degrees C, or 32 degrees F. Liquids that contain water and other dissolved substances will not freeze at this temperature. Both salts and certain organic molecules depress the freezing temperature of water, hence their use as de-icers on streets or as antifreeze in cars. Even in a cup of espresso the vast majority of the contents are water so my guess would be that espresso would freeze at 1 to 2 degrees below the normal freezing point of water.
2007-02-11 13:17:03 · answer #2 · answered by ericthor 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It would still be 0 degrees. As the ingredients are 95% water anyway. So I don't think it would lower the freezing point that much.
2007-02-11 13:06:15 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
its still zero degrees centigrade, coz its not an acid or a salt...do i sound brainy? haha
2007-02-11 12:58:49 · answer #4 · answered by scotgal 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why dont you go outside for an hour in just your underwear and try it and see!
2007-02-11 12:58:19 · answer #5 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
still think it would be 0 degs.C
2007-02-11 12:58:16 · answer #6 · answered by cereal killer 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋