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Why does ice float on water?
Ice floats on water because it is less dense than water.
When water freezes, its water molecules line up in a special pattern. This pattern leaves tiny gaps between the molecules. Because of these gaps, ice is lighter than the same amount of water.
Lighter things sit on top of heavier liquids. That is why ice cubes float on water instead of sinking to the bottom.
This is actually a very special thing. Most substances squeeze together when they freeze, so they get heavier and sink. But water does the opposite. If water acted like other substances, lakes would freeze from the bottom up, and the fish inside would not be able to live.
Quick facts
- Ice is less dense than water.
- When water freezes, gaps form between its molecules.
- Lighter substances float on top of water.
- In lakes, ice forms on top first, not at the bottom.
- Most substances get heavier when they freeze, but water does the opposite.
Check what you remember
3 questions — all of them come from the quick facts above. There is no score and no wrong turn.
1. Why does ice float on water?
2. What forms between molecules when water freezes?
3. Where does ice form on lakes in winter?
Where this comes from
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1 tr.wikipedia.org 80/100Ice - Wikipedia
A reliable encyclopedia page that explains what ice is and its properties.
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2 tr.wikipedia.org 75/100Water - Wikipedia
Explains the molecular structure and properties of water.
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