
Ice floats on water because it is less dense than liquid water, an unusual property caused by the hydrogen bonds in water molecules. When water freezes, the molecules form a crystal structure with empty spaces, making ice less dense. In contrast, liquid water molecules are more closely packed. This lower density allows ice to float, as it displaces a weight of water equal to its own weight, creating buoyancy. This phenomenon is crucial for life, as ice on the surface insulates the liquid water below, enabling aquatic organisms to survive in cold climates.
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