If You Know Why Hot Water Freezes Faster Than Cold Water, You Could Win $1,600

There’s a mystery that’s baffled scientists for centuries.

No one seems to know why hot water freezes faster than cold water.  It’s weird, but it’s true.

Aristotle grappled with the puzzle in the 4th century B.C.  Roger Bacon struggled with it in the 13th century.  Descartes couldn’t crack it in the 17th century.

Scientists are now so desperate for answers, they’re turning to the general public.

London‘s Royal Society of Chemistry is offering £1000 (~$1,600 U.S.) to the person or team producing the best and most creative explanation for this strange phenomenon known as The Mpemba Effect.

Competition judges will be looking for an outside-the-box, inventive submission. In addition, the format of the submission should be creative and eye-catching.

Any medium or technology can be employed to make the case, including articles, illustrations or even film.

Submissions can be based on, and reference, existing research. The winning submission will be scientifically sound, and arresting in presentation and delivery.

The public has four weeks to crack the case before a group of the world’s brightest young science brains take on the challenge in London as one aspect of a special science communications meeting entitled Hermes 2012.

Break out your ice trays and get cracking! The deadline for submissions is July 30, 2012.

You can submit your theory here.

Related articles

• Scientists offer $1,500 prize for answer to the question: Why does hot water freeze faster than cold? (investmentwatchblog.com)
• Scientists Ask: Why Does Hot Water Freeze the Fastest? (newser.com)
• Royal Society of Chemistry offers £1,000 for anyone who can explain why hot water freezes faster than cold water (telegraph.co.uk)