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

30742 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Define the "standard enthalpy change of atomisation".


A) What assumptions are made about ideal gases. B) if 14g of an ideal gas is added to a 4 dm3 container at 210Kpa pressure and a temperature of 40oc how many moles were added and suggest the identity of the gas.


Explain why the first ionisation energy of sulphur is lower than that of phosphorus.


What is the electronic configuration for Sulphur?


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