Neil deGrasse Tyson Explains Thermodynamics of Water

Why does ice float? On this explainer, Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Chuck Nice get beyond the tip of the iceberg when it comes to ice floating, the thermodynamics of water, and how other objects float.

How do boats made of steel manage to float? We break down buoyancy and how heavy things still float. Find out how water molecules interact with each other at different temperatures and when water is at its densest. How does water function to protect life? You'll learn the important difference between water and other substances. We explore what happened to the Titanic and what would win: freezing cold water or an indestructible container. Discover more on another StarTalk explainer!

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Science meets pop culture on StarTalk! Astrophysicist & Hayden Planetarium director Neil deGrasse Tyson, his comic co-hosts, guest celebrities & scientists discuss astronomy, physics, and everything else about life in the universe. Keep Looking Up!

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0:00 - Introduction
0:13 - Why does ice float?
0:58 - How do steel boats float?
3:37 - How dense is water?
11:25 - How do fish survive the winter?
13:45 - How much does ice expand when frozen?
14:45 - The scientific accuracy of 'Titanic'
16:31 - Why pipes break in the winter
17:19 - When water ceases to freeze...
21:52 - What contributes to buoyancy?
22:47 - Why canoes won't sink
24:09 - Closing notes