Answer :
Final answer:
The behavior of water molecules changes during the transition from ice to water due to increased entropy. The temperature of the surroundings is crucial in the melting process of ice cubes and affects the survival of aquatic life. The property of ice cubes that allows them to float in water is important for aquatic life during winter.
Explanation:
As ice transitions from a solid to a liquid state, the behavior of water molecules changes. In the solid state, the molecules are arranged in a fixed structure with low entropy. When melting into a liquid, the molecules gain energy, break free from the fixed structure, and exhibit higher entropy.
The temperature of the surroundings plays a crucial role in the melting process of ice cubes because heat transfer is needed for the phase change from solid to liquid. The surroundings provide the necessary energy for the ice to melt through heat transfer.
One property of ice cubes that allows them to float in water is the fact that ice is less dense than water due to its hexagonal lattice structure, causing it to remain buoyant. This property is vital for aquatic life during winter as the ice forms an insulating layer on top, allowing life underneath to survive.
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