2007-05-02 09:54:59 · 4 answers · asked by lewisqaz 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Earth Sciences & Geology
Yes, it does. The closer to a perfect sphere, the slower it will melt due to the ratio of surface area to volume. Likewise, the higher surface area of ice in a thin sheet will melt faster. This assumes the insulating conditions of whatever surrounds the ice are the same, a sheet of ice that has one side against a solid surface so warmer air can't get to it will not melt as fast as one where warmer air can get to most of it as it normally can with a sphere.
2007-05-02 10:01:21 · answer #1 · answered by Now and Then Comes a Thought 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
An ice cube that is spherical would melt most slowly because that has the lowest surface area to volume ratio -- least amount of surface exposed.
An ice cube that is extremely thin would melt most quickly because it has far more surface area exposed to the environment.
2007-05-02 17:02:14 · answer #2 · answered by ecolink 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
All things (heat, mass, etc.) being equal, absolutley. If more surface is available to melt then all of the surface area will melt at the same time. So the larger the surface area the faster the ice will melt.
2007-05-02 17:20:23 · answer #3 · answered by david k 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes. More surface area exposed on the ice cube will make it melt faster. Also, less mass will make it melt slower because the temperature is the kinetic energy divided by the number of particles, so less particles makes more temperature
2007-05-02 17:04:28 · answer #4 · answered by MLBfreek35 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋