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Why does ice float on water despite having a lower density than water?
  • a)
    Ice has more particles than water
  • b)
    Ice is made up of larger particles
  • c)
    Ice has air trapped inside, making it less dense than water
  • d)
    Ice and water have the same density
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
Most Upvoted Answer
Why does ice float on water despite having a lower density than water?...
Ice floats on water because it is less dense than liquid water.
The reason for this lies in the molecular structure of ice:
  • Ice forms a crystalline structure that creates gaps between its molecules.
  • These gaps trap air, contributing to its lower density.
  • This allows ice to float on water, which has a higher density.
This unique property of ice is vital for aquatic life, as it insulates the water below and helps maintain a stable environment.
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Community Answer
Why does ice float on water despite having a lower density than water?...
Why Ice Floats on Water
Ice floats on water due to its unique molecular structure and the behavior of hydrogen bonds. The correct explanation is option 'C', which states that ice has an open crystalline structure due to hydrogen bonding, making it less dense than water.
Density and Structure
- Water is composed of H2O molecules that are held together by hydrogen bonds.
- When water freezes, it forms a crystalline structure that is less compact than liquid water.
Hydrogen Bonding
- In liquid water, molecules are constantly moving, allowing them to pack closely together.
- Upon freezing, hydrogen bonds cause the molecules to arrange themselves in a stable, open lattice structure.
Resulting Density
- This open structure means there are fewer molecules in a given volume of ice compared to the same volume of liquid water.
- Consequently, ice has a lower density (approximately 0.92 g/cm³) than liquid water (approximately 1 g/cm³).
Implications
- Because ice is less dense, it floats on the surface of liquid water.
- This phenomenon is crucial for aquatic life, as it insulates the water below, maintaining a stable environment in colder climates.
Understanding this concept is essential for grasping fundamental principles of chemistry and the unique properties of water.
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