A lifelike animated video that seeks to answer an age-old mystery that's baffled scientists for more than 2,000 years has landed a Southside energy center director in an elite group of finalists.
The question, which by itself may seem simple, asks how does hot water freeze faster than cold water? However, proving the phenomenon is something that's awed chemistry lovers for centuries.
Doug Corrigan, executive director of the Riverstone Energy Center in Halifax County, has been selected as a top 11 finalist in The Royal Society of Chemistry/Hermes 2012 Mpemba effect competition, according to a news release from the energy center.
Corrigan earned ranks on the short list "because of his engaging cartoon and compelling explanation," according to the society's website.
About 22,000 entries were submitted from more than 120 countries.
"I entered the competition because I have always been excited about answering scientific questions for which there seems to be no solution," Corrigan said on the website.
The Mpemba effect is named after Erasto Mpemba, a Tanzanian student who made the claim that warmer water freezes faster than colder water, but to this day scientists are still baffled as to how this happens, according to the release.
Many scientists have attempted to solve the mystery for more than 2,000 years with little success.
Corrigan — with the help of Ben Thompson, technical director of the Riverstone Energy Center — created a lifelike animated video explaining his hypothesis.
"I am a firm believer that all physical phenomena have a logical scientific foundation, and sometimes we need to think outside of the box to come up with those explanations," Corrigan said. "The Mpemba effect is certainly counterintuitive and a perfect example of a problem that requires innovative thought."
To see Corrigan's video and thermodynamic and mathematic calculations supporting this theory, visit, www.riverstoneenergycenter.com/mpemba.
According to its website, The Royal Society of Chemistry became interested in the project "because it presented an opportunity to get people excited about chemistry — something we've always been passionate about. We're interested in opening a debate about communicating and teaching chemistry in an accessible, effective and inspiring way.
Judges are expected to announce the winner Thursday.
