Question

why does ice float when it is placed in liquid water?
because the density of ice and water are the same
because the density of ice is less than water
because ice is much denser than water
because the ice has a greater weight than water

Explanation:

To determine why ice floats in liquid water, we use the principle of buoyancy: an object floats in a fluid if its density is less than the fluid's density.

• The first option is incorrect because ice and water do not have the same density.
• The third option is incorrect as ice is less dense, not more dense, than liquid water.
• The fourth option is incorrect because weight depends on mass and gravity, and a floating object's weight is balanced by buoyant force; the key factor is density, not weight.
• The second option is correct because ice has a lower density than liquid water, so it floats.

Answer:

because the density of ice is less than water