MP Board · Class 9 · Science · Matter in Our SurroundingsWhy does ice float on water? Explain the reason behind this phenomenon based on density.

Generally, solids have a higher density than liquids because their particles are closely packed. However, ice is an exception. When water freezes into ice, a cage-like three-dimensional structure is formed with empty spaces between molecules. This makes the volume of ice greater than that of liquid water for the same mass. As a result, the density of ice becomes less than the density of liquid water, allowing ice to float on top of water.