The scientific principle that explains the formation of snowflakes is the process of crystallization. Snowflakes form when water vapor in the atmosphere condenses and freezes into ice crystals. The unique six-sided structure of snowflakes arises from the molecular arrangement of water molecules as they bond during crystallization. Temperature and humidity conditions influence the size and intricacy of the snowflakes, leading to the vast diversity found in nature. This phenomenon exemplifies the beauty of physical chemistry in atmospheric processes.