How Deep Would the Mariana Trench Need to Be for Ice VII to Form?

In summary, the conversation discusses the conditions under which ice VII would form in an ocean on Earth and compares it to the depth of the Mariana Trench. The pressure required for ice VII to form is 3 GPa at room temperature, while the pressure at the bottom of the Mariana Trench is 110 MPa. Based on calculations, the Mariana Trench would need to be 27 times deeper for ice VII to form. The use of a different unit for depth is also mentioned.
  • #1
Calpalned
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Homework Statement


**This thread could also belong to the chemistry forum**
*This isn't an actual homework problem, but it is a simple question, so I put it here in the homework forum. I am under the impression that the physics forum is for more advanced questions*
How deep would an ocean on Earth have to be for ice VII to form? It forms under 3 GPa of pressure at room temperature (20 C).

Homework Equations


N/A

The Attempt at a Solution


I am only asking this question because I am curious how the Mariana Trench compares. At the bottom of the Mariana Trench, the pressure is 110 MPa. ## \frac {3} {t} = \frac{3GPa}{110MPa} ## = 27.27. So the Mariana Trench needs to be 27 times deeper. Is this correct (if the temperature is assumed to be a constant ?
 
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  • #2
Give or take corrections for compressibility of sea water, looks good enough. Depth of Mariana Trench isn't a particularly standard unit of length, so you might consider turning that into meters or kilometers, but that's nitpicking.
 

What is pressure and how does it affect the freezing of ice?

Pressure is the force exerted per unit area. When pressure is applied to a substance, its molecules are forced closer together, which can impact its physical properties, such as melting and freezing points. In terms of ice, an increase in pressure can lower its freezing point, allowing it to remain in a liquid state at temperatures below 0°C.

How does the pressure to freeze ice differ in different environments?

The pressure to freeze ice varies depending on the environment. Factors such as altitude and atmospheric pressure can impact the freezing point of water. For example, at higher altitudes, where atmospheric pressure is lower, water has a lower freezing point due to decreased pressure on the surface of the water.

Can pressure be used to make ice freeze faster?

Yes, pressure can be used to make ice freeze faster. By increasing the pressure on water, its freezing point lowers, allowing it to freeze at a faster rate. This is why pressurized ice makers are often used in commercial settings to produce ice more quickly.

What happens to ice when pressure is removed?

When pressure is removed from ice, its molecules are able to spread out and move more freely, which causes its melting point to increase. This is why ice will melt at room temperature, as the atmospheric pressure is not enough to keep it in a solid state.

Can pressure cause ice to skip the liquid phase and turn directly into a gas?

Yes, a process called sublimation can occur where ice can turn directly into water vapor without going through the liquid phase. However, this typically requires a very low-pressure environment, such as in a vacuum, and is not a common occurrence in everyday situations.

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