How fast does it take for a cubic foot of ice to melt?

Answer 1

That depends on the shape of the ice, how cold it starts out and the condition of the surroundings. All other variables being the same, a block of ice starting at 0 °C will take less time to melt than one that starts at -100 °. Ice in an oven at 250 °C will melt faster than one sitting on the table in a 25 °C room. If the surroundings are maintained at - 50 °C, it will NEVER melt (although it might sublime). A block of ice 1 ft x 1 ft x ft will probably melt slower than one that is 6 inches x 6 inches x 4 feet, yet they are both "a cubic foot". Ice sitting on a plank of wood and surrounded by air at 50 °C will melt slower than the same block of ice dropped into liquid water at 50 °C. A block of ice will melt slower in the shade than if it is moved into the sunlight. Ice floating quietly in water will melt slower than if the water is swirling around it. Ice will melt slower in still air melts slower than ice with a wind blowing across it. A cubic foot of ice as one contiguous block will melt slower than if you take that same block and break it up in pieces.

You have to be very specific about the conditions in order to make it possible to answer the question. For example:

"A block of ice 1 ft x 1 ft x 1 ft initially at a uniform 0 °C floating in an unstirred vat of pure water which is maintained at a constant 45 °C"