Snowflakes: The Science Behind the Magic

Front

What is a snowflake?

Back

A snowflake is a crystal of ice that forms when water vapor freezes in the atmosphere.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

Front

What is the likelihood of two snowflakes being perfectly identical?

Back

1 in 1 million trillion.

Front

Who studies the weather and estimates the likelihood of identical snowflakes?

Back

Meteorologists.

Front

Why do snowflakes appear white?

Back

Light is reflected off their surface.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

Front

How many different types of snowflakes are estimated to exist?

Back

1 with 36 zeros.

Front

What causes water vapor to freeze on a tiny dust particle?

Back

Cold temperatures.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

NGSS.MS-PS3-4

Front

What is the main component of a snowflake?

Back

Water.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Front

What shape do snowflakes typically have?

Back

Snowflakes typically have a hexagonal shape.

Front

What is the process called when water vapor turns into ice?

Back

Sublimation.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

Front

What role does temperature play in snowflake formation?

Back

Cold temperatures allow water vapor to freeze and form snowflakes.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

NGSS.MS-PS3-4