Why can ice float on water?

Why can ice float on water?

• A. Ice is less dense than water
• B. Ice is heavier but floats
• C. Ice expands and sinks
• D. Water becomes lighter

Answer: (A)

Floating happens when an object’s density is lower than the liquid around it. Water expands as it freezes, forming a crystalline lattice that takes up more space, so ice becomes less dense than liquid water. The density of ice is about 0.92 g/cm³, while liquid water is about 1.00 g/cm³. Because ice is less dense, the buoyant force from the water it displaces supports it, so it sits with most of its volume underwater but with part of it above the surface. If ice were denser than water, it would sink.

Floating happens when an object’s density is lower than the liquid around it. Water expands as it freezes, forming a crystalline lattice that takes up more space, so ice becomes less dense than liquid water. The density of ice is about 0.92 g/cm³, while liquid water is about 1.00 g/cm³. Because ice is less dense, the buoyant force from the water it displaces supports it, so it sits with most of its volume underwater but with part of it above the surface. If ice were denser than water, it would sink.