Why does ice float on water?

Water has strong intermolecular hydrogen bonds that hold the water molecules close together, making it very dense. As water freezes, the hydrogen bonds move further apart as it forms a hexagonal lattice. This means that ice contains fewer molecules per unit area and therefore making it less dense than water. This allows the solid to float on liquid water.

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Why is benzene more stable than expected?


Explain why ethanol has a higher boiling point than ethene (3)


Describe the Kekule and delocalised model of benzene and explain some of the reasons why the kekule is disproved


Calculate the pH of the solution formed when 30 cm3 of 0.150 moldm-3 aqueous sulfuric acid is added to 30 cm3 of 0.200 moldm-3 aqueous potassium hydroxide at 25 C.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2024

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences