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Why is it so important that the solid form of water is less dense than the liquid form of water for life on this planet?
Wiki User
∙ 13y ago
If ice was more dense than water, it would sink into the oceans and be frozen at the bottom of the seas. The sun would not be able to reach this ice, therefore it would be down there forever, and as more ice forms, the less water you have left in the oceans.
Wiki User
∙ 13y ago
It is important because when water freezes and becomes solid, it floats on top of liquid water. This creates an insulating layer that protects the liquid water below from freezing solid, allowing life to thrive in aquatic environments. If ice sank, it would accumulate at the bottom of bodies of water, eventually freezing them solid and making life unsustainable.
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Is ice cube a solid gas or liquid?
solid with hydrogen bonds making it less dense than its liquid form
Can a solid be more dense than a liquid?
Yes, a solid can be more dense than a liquid. Density is defined as mass per unit volume, so a solid with a higher mass per unit volume than a liquid will be more dense. An example is comparing ice (solid) to water (liquid), where ice is more dense than liquid water.
How do waters relative densities as a solid and a liquid differ from that of most other substance?
The solid state of water is less dense than its liquid state, which is why ice floats on water. The solid state of nearly all other substances is more dense than the liquid state and sinks in the liquid state.
Why is solid iron more dense then liquid iron?
Solid iron is more dense than liquid iron because the particles in a solid are tightly packed together, creating a more compact structure and therefore higher density. In contrast, in a liquid state, the particles have more freedom of movement and are less tightly packed, resulting in a lower density.
Will O2 solid float in O2 liquid?
No, solid O2 will not float on liquid O2 at all. There are several different phases of solid oxygen, depending on the conditions under which it is formed. But all of them are more dense than the liquid form, even near its freezing point (where it is most dense). None will come close to floating. Liquid oxygen has a density of about 1.141 grams/ml or so, and the solid forms have densities in the area of 1.4 grams/ml or so. Very few substances have a solid phase that floats on its liquid phase. Water is almost miraculous in this physical phenomenon. If ice did not float on water, earth's oceans would freeze solid within a few thousand years (or less).
Will a solid flow up?
This depends on how dense the solid is, and how dense the liquid is.
Is ice cube a solid gas or liquid?
solid with hydrogen bonds making it less dense than its liquid form
Which cold solid is less dense than the liquid when it melts?
Ice is a solid less dense than the liquid
What is the solid dense center of our planet?
The solid dense center of our planet is called the inner core. It is made of an iron nickel alloy and has a temperature similar to the sun.
Is liquid magma less dense or more dense?
Liquid magma is more dense than the solid material around it.
Is a ice cube solid or liquid?
solid with hydrogen bonds making it less dense than its liquid form
Is the lithosphere solid liquid or plastic?
The asthenosphere is a flowing solid. It's sort of a liquid and a solid.
What substances are less dense when in a solid state than they are in a liquid state?
One example of a substance that is less dense in its solid state than in its liquid state is water. This is due to the unique structure of water molecules that causes them to expand and form a less dense arrangement when frozen into ice.
How do water's relative densities an a solid a liquid deffer from that most other substances?
Solid water, ice, is less dense than liquid water and floats on top. The solid state of other substances is more dense than the liquid state and will sink in the liquid.
What happens when you put a less dense soild and a more dense liquid together?
solid will be settling at the bottom because liquid can not be denser than solid due to their arrangements of their molecules.
Is mercury the planet a liquid or a solid?
Solid, iron core
What is an example of a solid that Is less dense than a liquid?
Solid water, ice, is less dense than its liquid state. This is essential for aquatic life. Since ice is less dense than liquid water, it floats to the top of of the water. This insulates the water beneath the ice, allowing the water beneath the ice to remain liquid. For other substances, the solid state is more dense than the liquid state.
