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Why does ice float in water? - George Zaidan and Charles Morton

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Water is a special substance for several reasons, and you may have noticed an important one right in your cold drink: ice. Solid ice floats in liquid water, which isn't true for most substances. But why? George Zaidan and Charles Morton explain the science behind how how hydrogen bonds keep the ice in your glass (and the polar ice caps) afloat.


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TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator George Zaidan, Charles Morton
  • Director Kellan Stover
  • Animator Jeff Freeman, Bridgette Michaud, Mary Brown
  • Artist Louis Norris
  • Producer Powerhouse Animation Studios Inc.
  • Narrator George Zaidan
Additional Resources for you to Explore
It's a well-known fact that the majority of an iceberg lies below the surface -- but just as stealthily hidden are their fascinating qualities. Traveling the seas, teeming with life, and sometimes even making a noise called "bergie seltzer," there's so much more than meets the eye. Camille Seaman gives homage to these icy isles.
Here are some good, detailed resources on water:
·http://www.lsbu.ac.uk/water/ice1h.html
·http://tll.mit.edu/help/latent-heat

Customize this lesson

Create and share a new lesson based on this one.

About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator George Zaidan, Charles Morton
  • Director Kellan Stover
  • Animator Jeff Freeman, Bridgette Michaud, Mary Brown
  • Artist Louis Norris
  • Producer Powerhouse Animation Studios Inc.
  • Narrator George Zaidan

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