Why does ice float on water?

When water freezes into ice, the H2O molecules form Hydrogen bonds between each other and arrange themselves into an open lattice structure. This causes the molecules in ice to be further apart from each other, when compared to water molecules. This means that ice is less dense than water, hence why it floats. 

JC
Answered by James C. Chemistry tutor

30617 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

How do I calculate the Gibbs free energy change for a reaction when given the entropy change, enthalpy change and the reaction conditions>


Explain what is meant by Enthalpy


Why can graphite be used as a lubricant?


Describe briefly how you would show that manganese(II) ions catalyse the reaction between manganate(VII) ions and ethanedioate ions, in dilute sulphuric acid.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning