Molecular density simulator

Why does ice float?

Same H₂O molecules. More space between them.

Solid ice
ICE917kg/m³
EXACT RATIO USED917 : 1000ρᵢ / ρw = 0.917
WATER1000kg/m³
01

Float & melt

0%melted
AIR
WATER
water line stays here
ICE
8.3%above
91.7%submerged
drag timeWATER
02

Inside the H₂O

OPEN LATTICE
hydrogen bonds hold an open structure
Volume for the same original mass100.0%
91.7% liquid volume100% ice volume
Oxygen Hydrogen H-bond
03

Why doesn’t the level rise?

Floating ice already displaces exactly its own weight in water. When it melts, it becomes that same amount of water—so the level stays put.

SUBMERGED FRACTIONρice ÷ ρwater = 91.7%