Question

why does ice float on liquid water?
a liquid water is less dense than ice.
b hydrogen bonds are absent in ice.
c water expands when it freezes.
d water has a relatively high boiling point.

Explanation:

When water freezes, it forms a crystalline structure due to hydrogen bonding. This structure causes water to expand, making ice less dense than liquid water. Density determines whether an object floats or sinks (less - dense objects float on more - dense liquids).

• Option a: Liquid water is more dense than ice, so this option is incorrect.
• Option b: Hydrogen bonds are present in ice (in a more ordered, hexagonal lattice), so this option is incorrect.
• Option c: Water expands when it freezes, which makes ice less dense than liquid water. This is the correct reason for ice floating on liquid water.
• Option d: The boiling point of water is not related to why ice floats on liquid water.

Answer:

C. Water expands when it freezes.