How to make an ice cube melt faster without using electricity, fire, gas, etc.?

Question

We have to build a device for science which will increase the speed which an ice cube melts. The focus is radiation, conduction and convection.

Answer 1

Aluminum and a magnifying glass(es). The aluminum conducts the radiant heat that is coming through the magnifying glass using the sun rays or uv light source. Be sure to seal it with a lid to keep the heat circulating. I wouldn't know how to tell you to build it, though!

Answer 2

Place the ice cube on a heat sink. This is a piece of metal (usually aluminum) that has fins on it. this will carry off the heat, or in your case, cold. They are readily available at most Radio Shack stores, just ask for a piece of heat sink material. The larger the heat sink, the faster the ice will melt.

I use just such a thing to thaw out meat to prepare for cooking. It takes much less time to thaw, than just sitting it out.

This uses both principals of convection, and conduction. Convection since the fins at a lower temperature will naturally force more warm air through them, and conduction since the ice is in direct contact with the surface of the heat sink.

This requires no use of electricity, gas, or any other form of artificially generated heat.

Let me know what you think.

Answer 3

Create a parabolic reflector and place the ice cube at the foci. This will concentrate the energy and increase the heat.

Answer 4

Use a hammer, and smush it into tiny little bits. It'll increase the surface area and make it melt faster.

Seriously, though. Covering it in a black cloth? Black absorbs heat. Also, fanning or blowing on it would remove the layer of cold air surrounding it, and help it melt slightly faster.

Answer 5

Focus sunlight on it with the help of a lens or a spherical mirror.

Answer 6

Stick it in your armpit. It will melt much faster than if you let it sit on a table.

Answer 7

salt

Answer 8

use salt

Answer 9

salt.. high intensity light.. microwave,..

Answer 10

us steam