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

2388 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

How does aromatic electrophilic substitution work?


Explain why the reactivity of Group 2 elements increases down the group.


1. X with 2,4-DNPH forms a red precipitate. 2. X reduces blue Copper ions into red precipitate. What kind of compound is X?


Explain what happens to a crystal of iodine when it is heated (5marks)


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