Why does ice form at the surface of a body of water | StudySoup

Textbook Solutions for Conceptual Physics

Chapter 15 Problem 30RQ

Question

Why does ice form at the surface of a body of water instead of at the bottom?

Solution

The freezing point of water is 0°C and its maximum density is reached at 4°C. Density increases with the decrease in temperature, the entire water from the surface to its bottom will reach 4°C after a certain length of time. When it cools, the thin layer close to the surface of the water becomes denser, therefore heavier, and sinks toward the bottom of the lake, and is replaced on top warmer water

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Title Conceptual Physics 12 
Author Paul G. Hewitt
ISBN 9780321909107

Why does ice form at the surface of a body of water

Chapter 15 textbook questions

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