Ice floats on water because it is less dense than water.
Understanding Density
Density is a measure of how much mass is packed into a given volume. A less dense object will float on a more dense object.
| Substance | Density (g/cm³) |
|---|---|
| Water | 1.0 |
| Ice | 0.931 |
As shown in the table, the density of ice is 0.931 g/cm³, while the density of water is 1.0 g/cm³. This means that for the same amount of volume, ice weighs less than water.
How Ice Floats
The reference states, "Since the ice is lighter than water so the water displaces the ice and causes it to float on top". This describes Archimedes' principle, which states that an object will float when the buoyant force is equal to or greater than the object's weight. Water, being more dense, exerts an upward force on the ice, pushing it to the surface.
Key Factors
- Lower Density: The primary reason is the lower density of ice compared to water.
- Displacement: Water displaces the ice, creating an upward buoyant force.
- Buoyant Force: The buoyant force becomes strong enough to make ice float because it is less dense than water.
Practical Insight
- This property of ice is crucial for aquatic life in colder climates. Because ice floats, it insulates the water below and allows life to continue during winter.
- If ice were denser than water, it would sink, and it could completely freeze from the bottom up, making aquatic habitats less sustainable in cold temperatures.
