Question

5 sep construct an explanation density is the mass of matter in a given volume. materials that are less dense float on denser materials. use the models to explain, on a molecular level, why ice floats on water.

Explanation:

Water molecules in ice form a hexagonal - lattice structure due to hydrogen - bonding. This structure creates open spaces between the molecules, increasing the volume for a given mass. As density is mass per volume, ice has a lower density than liquid water. According to the principle that less - dense materials float on denser ones, ice floats on water.

Answer:

Ice floats on water because the open hexagonal - lattice structure of ice molecules due to hydrogen - bonding makes ice less dense than liquid water.