"Why Do" Wednesday - Why Does Ice Float In Liquid Water?

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You may have not thought about this much, but why does ice float in water? It is water itself right?  Did you know water is the only liquid this will happen to? (At standard temperatures that is)  If you froze some alcohol and put it in its liquid self, it would sink... So why is water so unique?


The simple answer?  Water expands when freezing making it less dense when in its frozen state.  So if an object is less dense than the liquid you are putting it into, it will float!

Why does water become less dense when frozen?  Well, water is a polar molecule which means it has a positive and a negative side.  This is because it's a bit off balance having 2 hydrogen atoms and only 1 oxygen atom. This causes water molecules to be attracted to each other almost like little magnets. As water cools below 4 C, the hydrogen bonds adjust to hold the negatively charged oxygen atoms apart. This produces a crystal lattice, which is commonly known as 'ice'.  This also causes the frozen water to expand and become less dense (~9%).  Then walla, it floats in its liquid self!


It really is a good thing this happens.  If not lakes and rivers would freeze solid in the winter killing all fish and wildlife in them.  Water is the miracle of life and without it, none would exist!


So grab a drink, throw some ice cubes in it and enjoy science at work!

#RookieGuru
#GiveMeMore

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