Why does ice float in water? - George Zaidan and Charles Morton
1,835,997 Views
26,911 Questions Answered
TEDEd Animation
Let’s Begin…
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.
In our two-dimensional molecular picture of ice (at 2:30), how many hydrogen atoms surround every oxygen atom? How many oxygen atoms surround every hydrogen atom? But remember that real life is three-dimensional. Do some research and find the most molecular common structure of ice. Study it closely and figure out how many hydrogens surround each oxygen and how many oxygens surround each hydrogen. Is our 2D model a good approximation for the 3D reality? Why or why not?
Sign in to answer questionAbout 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
