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Why do icebergs float on water? Why?__________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ - Junior Cycle Science - Question b - 2010
Question b
Why do icebergs float on water? Why?__________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ __________________________... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Why do icebergs float on water? Why?__________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ - Junior Cycle Science - Question b - 2010
Step 1
Why do icebergs float on water?
Answer
Icebergs float on water primarily because they are less dense than the water in which they are submerged. The density of ice is approximately 0.92 grams per cubic centimeter, while the density of liquid water is about 1.00 grams per cubic centimeter. This difference in density causes the ice to displace an amount of water equal to its weight, allowing it to stay afloat.
It's also important to note that the buoyancy principle describes how objects float or sink in fluids. According to Archimedes' principle, an object will float if it displaces a volume of liquid equal to its own weight. Since icebergs are primarily made of fresh water and have an overall lower density, they are able to remain on the surface of the ocean.
Step 2
Why?
Answer
The reason icebergs are less dense can be traced back to the molecular structure of ice. As water freezes, it forms a crystalline lattice that occupies more space than the equivalent mass of liquid water. This leads to the conclusion that the unique properties of water, particularly its density when frozen, allow icebergs to float.