Why does ice stay at the top of oceans instead of sinking to the bottom?

Question

Why does ice float on the surface of oceans instead of sinking to the bottom? Ice is less dense than liquid water because the molecular structure of ice causes the molecules to be arranged in a way that keeps them farther apart compared to the more closely packed molecules in liquid water. This difference in density is why ice remains at the top of bodies of water, rather than sinking.

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

The correct answer is D) ice is less dense than liquid water because the molecules in ice are farther apart. This makes sense because ice has to be less dense than liquid water because we know that ice floats on water. Objects denser than the liquid that they are placed in will sink, whereas if they are lighter than the liquid, they will float. The bonds in ice are more stable than they are in liquid water, which keeps the molecules farther apart. With less molecules per unit area than water, ice is the less dense of the two substances. Hope this helps!

Anonymous · Answer

It definately is not the second option. i got it wrong.

Jarod Hudson · Answer

Option C = ice is less dense than liquid water because the molecules in ice are further apart.Explanation:When water is cooled below 0°C, ice is formed. In ice form water molecules have more hydrogen bonds. When temperature increases, hydrogen bonds between water molecules breaks and water gets melt.In liquid form water molecules are get closer to each other as compared to the ice form. This is the unusual behavior of water as compared to the other substances in solid form.In ice form water molecules are strongly bonded but the distance between the water molecules are more or we can say that their are empty spaces present between water molecules that's why ice is less dense than the liquid water. Density:It is define as mass per unit volume.The less dense substance float on the surface of water while the substance more dense than water or sink in it.For example:Take the two equal amount of blocks one is made up of styrofoam and one is made up metal. Put these two blocks in to water. The block made up of metal will sink while the other made up of styrofoam will float on the surface of water because of difference in densities. The styrofoam is less denser than water while metal more denser then water.

Anonymous · Answer

The last one is correct

Mr. Dayne Senger

Why does ice stay at the top of oceans instead of sinking to the bottom?

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