Discovery of Plastic Ice VII: New Insights into Water's Exotic Phases
Weird Ice That Could Form on Alien Planets Observed For First Time 🔗
Recent research has successfully observed an exotic form of water known as plastic Ice VII, which was previously only theorized. Created under extreme conditions of high pressure and temperature, Ice VII has a unique cubic structure that alters the behavior of hydrogen molecules. Using advanced techniques like quasi-elastic neutron scattering, scientists found that these hydrogen molecules do not rotate freely but instead move in staggered steps. This discovery provides insights into the conditions that may exist on distant planets, such as Neptune and Europa, and opens avenues for further study of phase transitions in water.
What is plastic Ice VII?
Plastic Ice VII is an exotic phase of water that forms under extremely high temperatures and pressures, characterized by a unique interwoven cubic structure.
How was plastic Ice VII created in the lab?
Researchers created plastic Ice VII by applying pressures of 6 gigapascal and heating water to temperatures up to 327 °C (620 °F) using specialized instruments.
What significant behavior of hydrogen molecules was observed in plastic Ice VII?
Instead of rotating freely, hydrogen molecules in plastic Ice VII exhibit staggered movements, influenced by the breaking and restoring of hydrogen bonds.