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.

NR
Answered by Nia R. Chemistry tutor

2444 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Define the term 'first ionisation energy' and explain why the first ionisation energy shows a general increase across period 2


How do I calculate the percentage by mass of a metal within an impure substance?


Please can you explain E/Z isomers?


Explain why Carbon Dioxide has a linear shape with a bond angle of 180 degrees


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:

© 2025 by IXL Learning