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

30545 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Why does reacting a bromoalkane with ammonia result in a quaternary ammonium salt and not an amine?


What happens upon the addition of NaOH solution (OH- ions) to a pink solution of cobalt chloride? Include equation(s) in your answer.


Order the following in terms of boiling point and explain your reasoning: Ethanol, Ethane, Propane


Describe the trend in ionisation energies down group 1.


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