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I Like Math and Science

If you fill a glass with ice cubes to the top, then fill the same glass with water until one more drop and it will over flow. When the ice melts will the glass over flow the sides of the glass?
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4185philip · 70-79, M
No one seems to have taken account of the fact that some of the ice will be above the water level so the level may rise as this melts. Would like a scientists view on this. We know the total mass will be less.
turbineman40 · 80-89, M
@4185philip yes, the ice will float in the water. As the ice melts the entrapped air is released, the volume of the container with not increase so no water will be spilled from the glass.
ninalanyon · 61-69, T
@turbineman40 It won't overflow even if the ice and water contain no air because the density of pure ice is lower than the density of pure water which means that the ice displaces an equal mass of water but smaller volume (the ice will float) so when the ice melts to match the water temperature it will occupy less space.