๐Ÿƒ Wonderleaf

A Wonderleaf question

Why does ice cream melt?

Why does ice cream melt?

a real page from the book

Ice cream melts because warmth from the room moves into the colder scoop. That extra energy loosens the frozen water crystals that were holding it firm, so solid bits become liquid water. Once that icy framework gives way, the cream, sugar, and fat slump into a soft puddle.

The funny part is that not all scoops give up at the same speed. Airy ice cream can sag quickly, while denser gelato often keeps its shape longer. If a carton warms and freezes again, bigger crystals can form, which is why old ice cream turns grainy.

Wonder words

  • crystals
  • molecules
  • structure
  • gelato

Try it out

Put one spoonful of ice cream in shade and one near a warm window, then compare their edges after five minutes.

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Watercolour scenes, straight answers, about three minutes cover to cover.

Open the picture book

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