An ice cube has several distinct physical properties. First, it is solid at room temperature, which means it maintains a fixed shape and volume. Ice cubes are typically clear or translucent, allowing light to pass through them partially. They are also hard and brittle, meaning they can be easily broken or shattered under pressure.
Another important property is its temperature. Ice cubes are usually at or below 0°C (32°F), which is the freezing point of water. This cold temperature makes ice cubes useful for cooling drinks and preserving food.
Ice cubes are less dense than liquid water, which is why they float. This unique property is due to the hydrogen bonds in water molecules forming a crystalline structure when frozen, creating more space between the molecules.
Lastly, ice cubes have a smooth surface when first formed but can develop a rough texture over time due to sublimation, where ice turns directly into water vapor without becoming liquid first.