Which of the following would most likely cause cloudy ice cubes from an automatic ice cube machine?

Cloudy ice cubes are primarily caused by the presence of impurities or high concentrations of minerals in the water used to produce the ice. When water contains a significant amount of minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, these can lead to bubble formation and cloudiness as the water freezes. The process of freezing causes these minerals to become less soluble, and they may accumulate in the ice, resulting in a cloudy appearance.

Understanding the role of minerals in water is crucial for maintaining the quality of ice produced by an automatic ice cube machine. Clear ice is generally formed from pure, low-mineral water because it freezes uniformly and allows any gases to escape. Hence, if the mineral concentration in the water is too high, it can directly affect the clarity and quality of the ice cubes produced.

In contrast, the other options—insufficient water temperature, clogged water lines, and short cycling of a compressor—do not directly relate to the cloudiness of the ice in the same way that mineral concentration does. Insufficient water temperature may affect the freezing efficiency but does not inherently cause cloudiness. Clogged water lines might lead to inconsistent ice production or other operational issues, while short cycling of the compressor typically relates to cooling performance rather than the quality of the ice being formed.