[IzzieC (OP)]

Zyad wants to know:

Why does ice float?

Can you help?

[chiralSPO]

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.

[Bill S]

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.