THEY BALL UP AND BOUNCE AND ROLL AROUND AS IF INSULATED FROM THE HEAT! WHAT IS HAPPENING TO KEEP THE WATER DROPLETS FROM BECOMING STEAM?
2007-06-21 19:10:49 · 2 answers · asked by Harold E 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
In fact, it is steam that insulates them. When the water contacts the hot pan, it explosively vaporizes the bottom part of the droplet, which blows the drop up off the pan momentarily. When it's not touching the pan, it doesn't absorb much heat. It oscillates between touching the pan, vaporizing a bit, and jumping back in the air. This is the bouncing and rolling you observe.
2007-06-21 19:21:49 · answer #1 · answered by lithiumdeuteride 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Lithiumdeuteride (not sure of that spelling, sorry) has it down right. Just want to add that the dancing drops of water in the hot pan is the classic test to see if the griddle is at the right temp for pancakes..Oh that sounds good...or searing a steak..that sounds good too..Oops! Sorry snack time!
2007-06-21 19:31:02 · answer #2 · answered by Sulkahlee 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋