The discussion centers on the behavior of water levels when a floating ice cube melts. Participants assert that the water level will remain unchanged as the ice cube displaces an equivalent volume of water equal to its mass. Key points include the density of ice being lower than that of liquid water and the principle of displacement as articulated by Archimedes. Additionally, the conversation touches on the unique properties of water, particularly its density variations near 3 to 4 degrees Celsius.
PREREQUISITESStudents studying physics, educators teaching fluid dynamics, and anyone interested in the physical properties of water and ice.
Originally posted by Guybrush Threepwood
the level will drop.
the ice has a density a bit lower than the water (that's why ice is floating).
http://www.its.caltech.edu/~atomic/snowcrystals/ice/ice.htm
Originally posted by Rog
I disagree. The ice cube is made wholly of water in a cryistaline form and therefore its mass although lower than liquid water would still diplace the same amount of water as is contained within the cube. if the cube melts the water from it will replace exactly the water that was originally displaced by the cube. therefore the level will remain the same.
Originally posted by S = k log w
Is a perfect ice cube is made of wholly crystaline water? Aside from bubbles or such trapped particles, (which I am discounting), does the surface of the cube remain as a solid, or is it in a dynamic process of changing it's state?
Originally posted by david90
I know the answer to this question! I did this question for my hw.
The answer is the water level will lower and then rise. I'm not sure at what temp, but water has a different density at certain temp. I think near 3 or 4 C, the density is lower than at other temp.