Why is Water Heavier than Snow? Understanding Density Differences

Discover why water is heavier than snow by exploring the science of density and molecular structure.

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Water is heavier than snow because it is in a liquid form where molecules are more densely packed compared to snow, which has a fluffy, crystalline structure with lots of air pockets. This makes water denser and therefore heavier than an equal volume of snow.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What is the density of water compared to snow? Water has a density of approximately 1 g/cm³, while snow is much less dense, approximately 0.1 g/cm³, due to its structure.
  2. Why does snow appear fluffy? Snow appears fluffy because of its crystalline structure and air pockets, which trap air and reduce its overall density.
  3. Can snow become water? Yes, when snow melts, it converts to water due to temperature increases, changing its physical state from solid to liquid.
  4. How does temperature affect the density of water? As temperature increases, the density of water generally decreases, while ice is less dense than liquid water, which is why it floats.