Why does ice float on water?

1. Density difference:

   • The density of water = 1 g/cm³.

   • The density of ice ≈ 0.91 g/cm³, which is less than water.

2. Structure of ice:

   • When water freezes, its molecules arrange in a crystalline structure.

   • This structure has more empty spaces, making ice occupy more volume than liquid water for the same mass.

   • As a result, ice is lighter (less dense).

3. Floating principle (Archimedes’ Principle):

   • An object floats if it displaces water equal to its own weight.

   • Since ice is less dense, it displaces enough water before being fully submerged → so it floats.

Final Answer:
Ice floats on water because its density is lower than that of water, due to the open crystalline structure formed when water freezes.