Final answer:
It is not okay to leave an ice scoop in an ice container or use a glass instead to avoid contamination. When 0°C ice is placed into 0°C water in an insulated container, some ice will melt to reach equilibrium. Sugar cubes in a bowl placed in a dish of water on a table will likely dissolve.
Step-by-step explanation:
No, it is not okay to leave the ice scoop in the ice container or to use a glass instead of a scoop. Proper food safety protocols dictate that the ice scoop should be stored outside of the ice container in a clean and dry area to prevent contamination. Using a glass can transfer bacteria from someone's hands or introduce glass fragments into the ice if the glass were to break. Additionally, touching the ice with hands or putting a used glass into the ice container can introduce contaminants.
Concerning scientific questions, when placing 0°C ice into 0°C water in an insulated container, some of the ice will melt until equilibrium is achieved because melting and freezing points are the same at 0°C. However, the ratio of ice to water at equilibrium depends on the initial conditions, with energy transfer being key.
When sugar cubes in a bowl are placed in a dish of water, they will most likely dissolve, especially if the water can reach the sugar cubes. As for the temperature of ice, it is formed at 0°C during the freezing process, but when placed in a glass of water that is not in equilibrium with the air, external temperatures can affect the melting or freezing of the ice.