Why does ice float on top of water?

• A. Because the density of ice is lower than that of liquid water.
• B. Because ice contains trapped air bubbles that make it lighter.
• C. Because ice is a solid and solids always float on liquids.
• D. Because the temperature of ice is lower than that of water.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that whether a substance floats or sinks in a liquid depends on its density relative to the liquid's density.
2. Recall that density is defined as mass per unit volume, given by the formula \(\text{density} = \frac{\text{mass}}{\text{volume}}\).
3. Recognize that water expands when it freezes, causing ice to have a greater volume but nearly the same mass as the liquid water it came from.
4. Since ice has a larger volume but similar mass compared to liquid water, its density is lower than that of liquid water.
5. Because ice is less dense, it is buoyant and floats on top of liquid water.