Introduction:
Ice cream is a frozen dessert enjoyed by people of all ages. It is commonly known that ice cream feels colder than water, even when both are at the same temperature. This phenomenon can be explained by several factors related to the composition and physical properties of ice cream.

Composition:
Ice cream is made up of a mixture of ingredients such as milk, cream, sugar, and flavorings. Additionally, it undergoes a freezing process, which involves the incorporation of air. These components and the freezing process contribute to the unique properties of ice cream that make it feel colder than water at the same temperature.

Air content:
One of the key differences between ice cream and water is the presence of air. During the freezing process, air is incorporated into the ice cream mixture through a process known as overrun. This results in a higher air content, typically ranging from 50% to 100% in commercial ice creams. The presence of air acts as an insulator, slowing down the transfer of heat from the environment to the ice cream. As a result, ice cream with a higher air content feels colder on the tongue compared to water.

Heat capacity:
Another factor that contributes to the perceived temperature difference is the heat capacity of ice cream compared to water. Heat capacity refers to the amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of a substance by a certain amount. Water has a higher heat capacity than ice cream. Therefore, when the same amount of heat energy is transferred to both ice cream and water, the temperature of the water will increase more quickly than that of the ice cream. Consequently, the ice cream feels colder because it takes longer to reach the same temperature as the water.

Conduction and phase change:
When ice cream comes into contact with the tongue, heat is transferred from the tongue to the colder ice cream. This heat transfer occurs through conduction, which is the direct transfer of heat between two substances in contact. Additionally, the phase change from solid to liquid that occurs as the ice cream melts further absorbs heat energy from the tongue, creating a cooling sensation. Water, on the other hand, does not undergo a phase change when it comes into contact with the tongue, resulting in a less pronounced cooling effect.

Conclusion:
In summary, ice cream feels colder than water at the same temperature due to factors such as the presence of air, differences in heat capacity, and the phase change that occurs as ice cream melts. These factors combine to create a unique sensory experience, making ice cream a delightful treat enjoyed by many.

because ice cream has less latent heat than the water