Hello there, have you ever noticed that frozen water molecules despite possessing the ability to grow in 3D directions prefer taking a 2D shape? Snowflakes are mesmerizing, right? Each snowflake is unique, but essentially they all are crystals undergoing growth in 3D space. This means that they can grow in any direction, but they are always flat.
Why is that? Why are snowflakes always 2D? A video from the famous YouTube channel SciShow explains the phenomenon and says, ‘It all comes down to how ice crystals form on the molecular level.’ The video is dedicated to snowflakes and explains the whole process in an easy to understand style.
The video explains that a snowflake determines its growth shape based on temperature. Varying temperatures create different shapes. The snowflakes can create columns and even end up forming narrow needles. However, the most common shape is the flat hexagonal plate. This particular shape or rather the snowflake defining shape is a result of the molecular structure of water.
The water molecules possess a bent geometry and a polar design. Why? The hydrogens are negative (slightly), and the oxygen is slightly positive. But wait, how does this result in the creation of a flat snowflake? Now, we wouldn’t be telling you all of that here, would we? We would very much rather that you check out the amazing video by SciShow and learn the answers for yourselves.
What we can tell you is that the illustration is quite detailed and you won’t have any trouble in keeping with the process that is being explained. The video’s description reads, ‘We’re told that all snowflakes are unique. But when you really think about them, snowflakes get even more interesting – as ice crystals forming in 3D space, why are snowflakes basically 2D?’
Check out the video below and let us know what you think of this wonderful video by SciShow. Be sure to share it with your friends and family members as well.
