supercooled liquid
A supercooled liquid is a state of matter that occurs when a liquid is cooled below its freezing point without solidifying. This happens because the liquid lacks the necessary conditions, such as impurities or disturbances, to form a solid structure. Supercooled liquids can remain in this state for a significant time, appearing as a normal liquid.
When a supercooled liquid is disturbed, it can rapidly crystallize into a solid. This phenomenon is often observed in substances like water and glycerol. Supercooled liquids are important in various scientific fields, including meteorology and materials science, as they help researchers understand phase transitions.