Liquids generally have lower density as compared to solids. But you must have observed that ice floats on water. Find out why.

Ice floats on water because of the unique water features known as “perfectly spread snowfall.” This phenomenon is due to the heterogeneity and behavior of the water molecules.

1. Solids change with cooling: In general, when most substances freeze, their solids are more dense than their liquids. However, water behaves differently. As water freezes and becomes ice, its molecules arrange it in a crystal structure with a specific order of volume.

2. Lower Ice: Because of the unique structure of the water molecules in ice, it weighs less than liquid water. As a result, ice weighs less than liquid water.

3. Effect of Buoyancy: When ice forms at the top of a body of water, it floats because it is less dense than the liquid water below. This process is important in nature because it acts as an insulator in cold weather. If the ice submerged, the water below would freeze, severely affecting aquatic life.

4. Hydrogen bonding: Water has hydrogen bonds in its molecular structure. When water freezes, these bonds arrange themselves in such a way that they form a rectangular lattice structure with more space between the molecules, contributing to the smaller ice density compared to liquid water.

5. Density and Temperature: Water has a maximum density of about 4 degrees Celsius (39.2 degrees Fahrenheit). As the temperature falls below this, the water freezes and expands, reducing the weight of the ice, so it floats on top of the melted water.