Explain why icebergs float about one-tenth of their mass above water. HELP!

[Newton]

Thank guys, could some explain in simple terminology why icebergs float about one-tenth of their mass above water? appreciate it heapss!

[charmanderp]

Why does anything float? Because it's lighter than the thing beneath it, or less dense (less mass per unit of area).

Ice is less dense than water, hence it will float. The mass of water which is displaced by the iceberg must be equal to the mass of the iceberg itself, so therefore one tenth of the matter remains above sea level. As ice is less dense, equal amounts (in terms of mass) of ice and water will have ice taking up more room. The reason ice is less dense than water is to do with intermolecular bonding and such, I'm not well versed on it unfortunately.

That's my somewhat rudimentary understanding.

[datfatcat]

Let me help you guys expand on this a little bit.  The density of water is 1.0g/cm³ at 273K, whereas the density of ice is  0.9g/cm³ at the same temperature. i.e. The ice will displace 9/10 of its volume of water and the remaining (1/10) will be above the water.  That's why icebergs float about one-tenth of their mass above water.   

[stonecold]

Let me help you guys expand on this a little bit.  The density of water is 1.0g/cm³ at 273K, whereas the density of ice is  0.9g/cm³ at the same temperature. i.e. The ice will displace 9/10 of its volume of water and the remaining (1/10) will be above the water.  That's why icebergs float about one-tenth of their mass above water.   

Man, such a good explanation.  I learnt this stuff not even 8 months ago and have completely forgotten it all. :/

[Newton]

^ Agree that was PERFECT explanation! thank you guys!

[charmanderp]

Let me help you guys expand on this a little bit.  The density of water is 1.0g/cm³ at 273K, whereas the density of ice is  0.9g/cm³ at the same temperature. i.e. The ice will displace 9/10 of its volume of water and the remaining (1/10) will be above the water.  That's why icebergs float about one-tenth of their mass above water.   

This is what I wanted to say but my inability to organise numbers in my head prevented me from doing so Thank you!

[Newton]

This is what I wanted to say but my inability to organise numbers in my head prevented me from doing so Thank you!

You still did a good job!