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November 8, 2002
A: FROM MENTEES ALEXIS K. IN VA, ERIN R. IN KY, JENNY N. IN
AR, KATHRYN T. IN VA, KELLY B. IN PA, KELLY V. IN NJ, LISA
R. IN PA, MAGGIE K. IN CT, RASHELLE C. IN PA, RUTH O. IN NH.
Source: Scientific
American.com
Snowflakes are symmetrical because they reflect the internal
order of the water molecules as they arrange themselves in
the solid state (the process of crystallization.) Water molecules
in the solid state, such as in ice and snow, form weak bonds
(called hydrogen bonds) to one another. These ordered arrangements
result in the basic symmetrical, hexagonal shape of the snowflake.
In reality, there are many different types of snowflakes.
This differentiation occurs because each snowflake is a separate
crystal that is subject to the specific atmospheric conditions,
notably temperature and humidity, under which it is formed.
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