Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Physics, Astronomy & Cosmology => Topic started by: IzzieC on 23/02/2018 17:19:00

Title: Why does ice float?
Post by: IzzieC on 23/02/2018 17:19:00

Zyad wants to know:

Why does ice float?

Can you help?

Title: Re: Why does ice float?
Post by: chiralSPO on 23/02/2018 17:24:44

Solid water floats in liquid water because the solid is less dense. A given volume of ice therefore would displace a greater mass of water if it were completely submerged. This is the essence of buoyancy.

Another question is why is solid water less dense than the liquid? This is a rare, but not unheard of property (bismuth, quartz and silicon also do this, I believe). It has to do with the way that water packs into a lattice.

Title: Re: Why does ice float?
Post by: Bill S on 23/02/2018 18:31:39

Quote

It has to do with the way that water packs into a lattice.

From Ice to Fire: The Incredible Science of Temperature

https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/b09rzq05?suggid=b09rzq05

Episode 2 contains a simple explanation.