Question

when spring hits cold regions, frozen rivers begin to thaw and ice floes can be observed floating down river. are there ice floes on the bottom of the river?
a. no, because ice has a lower density than water.

b. yes, because ice has a lower density than liquid water.

c. yes, because ice has a higher density than liquid water.

d. no, because ice has a higher density than water.

Explanation:

Objects float or sink based on density. If an object's density (\(
ho_{object}\)) is less than the fluid's density (\(
ho_{fluid}\)), it floats (\(F_{buoyant}=
ho_{fluid}V_{displaced}g > m_{object}g=
ho_{object}V_{object}g\) when \(V_{displaced}ho_{ice}\approx0.92\ g/cm^3\)) than liquid water (\(
ho_{water} = 1\ g/cm^3\)). So, ice floes will float on water, not sink to the bottom.

Answer:

A. No, because ice has a lower density than water.