why does an ice cube float? I already know that it is less dense than water but I am more interested in partic

Question

( I did'nt finish the above word off) particle theory. ta

Answer 1

It's to do with the structure of the lattice formed when water molecules freeze. The crystal structure of ice keeps the water molecules a certain distance apart: when it's liquid, the molecules actually fit more closely together because they're all higgledy-piggledy.

This is unusual - most compounds are more dense in the solid state - and is a result of the polarity of the water molecule and the resultant hydrogen bonds which cause the lattice to adopt a tetrahedral arrangement

Answer 2

Well then, there are two opposing forces acting on the particles.

1). The gravitational force pulling down on the ice cube particles.

2) The buoyancy force, which is the result of the net force resulting from the particle motion of the water molecules. The sideways forces cancel one another because of the symetry and the net force is upward.

The buoyancy force does not depend on the makeup of the object immersed.

If the buoyancy force > grav. foce...it floats

Answer 3

Listen to gvih2g2's answer. He understands this better than the other responders.

It is a result of the crystal structure of ice, which causes the molecules to be farther apart (on average) than in the liquid state.

Answer 4

Life on earth is possible because water loses density just as it reaches the freezing point.

Somehow the molecules of ice crystals are bigger than molecules of liquid water.