The animation simulates the physical behavior of ice cubes in a glass of water. By clicking or using a button, ice cubes can be created that fall into the water, submerge, and float to the surface due to buoyancy—an illustrative example of Archimedes’ principle.
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Description of the Animation
The animation shows a glass filled with water into which ice cubes can be dropped. The ice cubes are subject to gravity, sink into the water, and create realistic wave effects on the water surface. After submerging, they float due to the difference in density between ice and water.
The floating behavior is based on Archimedes’ principle: A body in water experiences an upward buoyant force equal to the weight of the displaced water. Since ice has a lower density than water (about 0.92 g/cm³ compared to 1.0 g/cm³), it floats with about 8% of its volume above the water surface.
The water surface reacts dynamically to the submerging ice cubes. Waves are simulated via coupled surface points (spring-mass system), producing propagation, reflection at the glass walls, and damping.
Interactive Controls
Controls:
- Mouse click: A click above the water surface creates an ice cube at the click position, which then falls into the water.
- + Ice cube: Adds an ice cube at a random position above the water.
- Reset: Removes all ice cubes and restores the calm water surface.
A maximum of 12 ice cubes can float in the glass at the same time. The ice cubes interact with the glass walls and can rotate slightly due to the wave motion.
Overview
| Title | Ice cubes in a water glass |
| Target Audience | Teachers and Lecturers |
| Features | Full-screen mode Lossless scaling Large screens and projectors supported |
| License | Open Source – CC BY 4.0 |
| Attribution Notice | Created with AI assistance |