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Physics 9
Fact or Myth
Does Cold Water Boil Faster than Hot
Water?
Introduction
I decided to do this project on water. To be more exact, boiling water. Does cold water boil faster than
warm water. I have heard about this topic from various sources. Some being from previous Science
teachers and some being from friends and even my parents.
Going into this project, I truly did believe that cold water boils faster than warm water, however I was
shocked that it is a MYTH. It is not true that cold water boils faster than warm water!
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My Research
From many reliable sources, it is proven that my topic is a myth. I have gathered information from three
very reliable sources. One of those sources were from MIT School of Engineering. They gave very
straight forward facts that prove my topic is a myth. Another source comes from the Department of
Physics from Ilinois University. They give a very short, however truthful and factual essay on my topic,
proving it a myth. My last source, from Scientific American gives scientist a chance to explain their views
on the topic, also proving it a myth.
MIT School of Engineering (http://engineering.mit.edu/ask/does-hot-water-freeze-fastercold-water)
Above is the report from MIT School of Engineering. This report proves that my topic is a myth. They
use the words “It’s an age old question with a simple answer, no.” They say that from years ago people
still believe this myth. MIT uses the analogy “from the day of Aristotle,” meaning people believed this
and still do, for a long time.
Illinois University Department of Physics
(https://van.physics.illinois.edu/qa/listing.php?id=1441)
Above is the Report from Illinois University Department of Physics. Although this document is short, it
gives a straightforward answer to the question. The last paragraph says that hot water boils faster than
cold water. Once again, it proves that this topic is a myth. This report goes into more detail on how cold
water freezes faster than hot water however that is another project.
Scientific American (http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/is-it-true-that-hot-water/ )
Above is the report from Scientific American. Scientific American says it in the first line. They say,
“Cold water does not boil faster than hot water.” Scientific American gives information from different
scientist from all over the country. However, they all have the same summarization. They all say that it is
a myth.
Conclusion
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In conclusion, it is a myth, cold water does not boil faster than hot water. This was the complete opposite
than what I have expected. All of my life I have been told that cold water boils faster than hot water.
However, today I was proven wrong!
By three reliable sources, it was made
clear that my topic is a MYTH!
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