Buoyancy is directly related to the density of materials. Water and ice are composed of the same substance, yet ice floats on water because its density is slightly lower than that of liquid water. When water freezes, it forms spaces between its atomic groupings, causing the mass corresponding to the volume of ice (solid state) to be less than the mass of water in its liquid state. What is the behavior of ice in freshwater and saltwater? What about other substances, like alcohol, for example? Depending on the age group, this practice can address topics such as "Density of substances" and "Physical states of water," among others, in an interdisciplinary manner. It is suggested that this experiment be associated with the activities "The Tip of the Iceberg" and "How Icebergs Form," as they are quick and complementary practices that can be conducted in a single class.
Authors:
Alessandra da Conceição Zanin, Flavia Sant'Anna Rios, Sandra Freiberger Affonso, Suelen Zonta Kiem.
Participants
Variable
Goal
Understand how water in its solid form behaves in relation to the liquid state, as well as other liquids such as alcohol and salt water, in order to understand the dynamics of icebergs in the oceans.
Materials
Water
Cubes / ice blocks in various sizes and shapes
bladders
Scissors
Aquarium or other large transparent container
3 beakers or glasses from 250 to
350 ml
96° alcohol
table salt
To harvest
Support materials
