Chapter 3, Problem 56TQ

Summary Introduction

To review:

The reason for less density of ice than water, the effects on the oceans if the density of ice was not less than water, and the possible effects of high density of ice on the development of life on the earth.

Introduction:

It is unusual that water (H₂O) has a maximum density in its liquid state (water) and not in its solid state (ice). Ice floats on water because it has less density than water. If its density would have been higher, then it would sink into the water and would affect aquatic life as well as the earth’s environment.