From blowing frozen bubbles to throwing boiling water: The science behind viral cold-weather experiments

An Arctic blast is sweeping across much of the United States bringing with it some of the coldest weather that the region had endured in a long time.

While the cold weather may deter many from going outside, others like to take advantage of the freezing temperatures and test out different science experiments.

From blowing frozen bubbles to throwing boiling water to tossing cracked eggs. Here's a look at fun experiments to try.

The boiling water trick

The boiling water trick is one of the more popular experiments featured on social media during cold weather. As experimenters throw steaming water, a white cloud is left behind.

"The boiling water starts off mostly in the liquid phase. However, since it's so hot and the water droplets are much smaller, it evaporates or transitions to water vapor faster than cool water, which is why this trick works better with boiling water," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Jason Nicholls said.

A couple of things occur when the boiling water is thrown into the air.

"First, the hot water is making water vapor through evaporation. Second, the water breaks into smaller globs of water as it passes through the air. Both the evaporation and the smaller blobs mean that the water will cool off quickly," Nicholls said.

On top of that, cold air can't hold much water vapor. Thus the water vapor doesn't stay in the air as it condenses out, giving you the cloud of ice crystals you see.

In order to achieve this white cloud, the air must be cold, as well as dry with very low relative humidity, ideally below 25 percent. The experiment works best at temperatures below zero F.

When conducting this experiment, safety is paramount. It is important not to throw the boiling water over your head or toward other people and pets.

"Also watch the wind direction, as any hot water that fails to instantly evaporate could land on you or someone else. It could be hot enough to cause burns," Nicholls said.

During a polar vortex event a few years ago, at least eight people in Illinois ended up in the hospital after their attempt at performing the boiling water trick went awry, the Chicago Sun-Times reported.

The frozen bubble experiment

Seemingly magical videos of frozen bubbles also routinely appear online demonstrating how a normally ethereal soap bubble hardens into a lacy globe when the temperature is right.

Bubbles are like a “water and soap sandwich,” with soap encasing a layer of water. In warmer weather, the air inside the bubble expands as it warms, popping the bubble before it gets far. But in cold weather, the water sandwiched inside the soap has a chance to freeze before the bubble pops.

As soon as you touch them, however, the heat from your fingers will melt the bubble.

This experiment can be tested with different solutions to create the longest-lasting bubbles. Many people add glycerin, which gives the bubbles strength, according to Scientific American.

Freezing various items

Many experiments posted on social media during cold temperatures involve freezing various objects, ranging from eggs to wet clothes to even wet hair.

The egg trick, which often involves cracking an egg on a pan outside and waiting to see how long it takes to freeze solid, is one of the many experiments people test during icy conditions. Other social media go outside with wet hair and record it freezing atop their heads. Frozen clothes are also among fun items tested.

The balloon trick

The balloon trick is designed to show how the volume of a gas expands as it warms, and contracts as it cools.

To do this, blow up balloons in warm air, then expose them to cold air and they will deflate. Eventually they will reinflate when you return them to warm air.

Meanwhile, other social media users filled up balloons with water and food coloring. The balloon would then be left outside overnight in freezing temperatures in order to create beautiful sculpture-like art.

Before venturing out to test an experiment, make sure to always dress appropriately for the conditions to limit the risk of frostbite or hypothermia.

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