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jangles's avatar

Why is every snowflake different?

Asked by jangles (405points) January 5th, 2010

I recall being in elementry school and being told that every snowflake was unique and different. But why is this? (Assuming that they are all different, we obviously can’t look at every snowflake that has ever formed into existence.)

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9 Answers

jangles's avatar

@Simone_De_Beauvoir

“a single snow crystal contains perhaps 100 million molecules, which can be arranged in a gigajillion different ways.”

this answered my question entirely, thank you. :]

jangles (405points)“Great Answer” (0points) Flag as…
Simone_De_Beauvoir's avatar

@jangles very cool. you’re welcome

Simone_De_Beauvoir (39062points)“Great Answer” (0points) Flag as…
nicobanks's avatar

Because they’re formed according to (or their formation is influenced by) so many different causes. Like humans.

“Snowflakes are just like fingerprints: they’re both very pretty.” ~Interim Police Cheif Wiggum

nicobanks (2926points)“Great Answer” (0points) Flag as…
Jeruba's avatar

I’ve never been convinced that they are. They’re not like humans. They don’t inherit anything. Each one starts from scratch.

I find it easier to believe in the uniqueness of popped popcorn than that of snowflakes.

Jeruba (56062points)“Great Answer” (0points) Flag as…
nicobanks's avatar

@Jeruba Why popcorn more than snowflakes? Like humans, popcorn does inherit a makeup!

nicobanks (2926points)“Great Answer” (0points) Flag as…
Jeruba's avatar

Yes, that’s why.

Jeruba (56062points)“Great Answer” (0points) Flag as…

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