Snow Crystal Growth
Open to everyone until Thursday, October 1
To keep it, print it while it is open.
Water vapor can skip the liquid state and attach directly onto an ice crystal. The molecules settle into a six-sided lattice, so the crystal grows with six-fold symmetry.
In the picture
- The central six-sided ring of linked water molecules
- A new water molecule attaching at a corner of the ring
- A flat branching arm extending outward from the ring
- A drifting vapor molecule approaching the crystal
Examples
- Frost forming on a cold window
- Snowflakes seen on a winter coat sleeve
Key takeaways
- Water vapor can become solid ice without first becoming liquid.
- The ice lattice repeats six-sided order, producing six-fold snow crystal shapes.
Carry on in the app
Three questions on this lesson, to check the idea stuck. Free in the app while the lesson is in the free week.
At least one new illustrated lesson every weekday for your child’s year, with its quiz and a reminder at 6:15 pm.
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