======Sinking Ice Cube======


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**Safety: **{{$demo.safety_description}}\\
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**Alternative titles:** Ice and Density
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====Summary====                   
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====Procedure====  
  - Fill one beaker with ~100 mL of water and another with ~100 mL of ethyl alcohol.  
  - Show students two similar-sized ice cubes.  
  - Place one ice cube into each beaker.  
  - Observe: the ice cube floats in water but sinks in alcohol.  
  - Ask students to propose hypotheses explaining why the outcomes differ.



====Links==== 
Density - Ice in Alcohol & Water - Bond with James: 
{{youtube>DupdXhoL7yQ?}}\\


📄 Case of the Sunken Ice Cube - Flinn Scientific: [[https://www.flinnsci.com/api/library/Download/b5fd3e87e1b148e1a8eaf73296fb9d2f?srsltid=AfmBOop33Q9uNtq5gDs5tpRPz_Y64pRN6yLY0JwncSz1AuUw3SyfP1sx]]\\


====Variations====
  * Mix water and alcohol in varying ratios to find the composition where the ice cube is suspended in the middle.  
  * Have students calculate the density of both liquids by measuring mass and volume.  
  * Compare with other liquids (oil, salt water, corn syrup).  
  * Discuss why ice floats in water, even though most solids are denser than their liquids.  
  * Explore seawater vs. freshwater densities (1.03 g/cm³ vs. 1.00 g/cm³) and buoyancy in lakes vs. oceans.



====Safety Precautions====
  * Ethyl alcohol is flammable—keep away from flames and sparks.  
  * Wear chemical splash goggles and an apron.  
  * Handle glassware carefully to avoid spills and breakage.  
  * Dispose of liquids according to local regulations.




====Questions to Consider====
  * Why does ice float in water but sink in alcohol?  
  * What role does density play in determining whether something floats or sinks?  
  * How does hydrogen bonding explain the unusual behavior of water when it freezes?  
  * Is it easier to float in freshwater or seawater, and why?