Final answer:
The subject in question pertains to why a solid may not completely submerge in water, which can be explained by its density compared to that of water. Ice, for instance, is less dense than liquid water and hence it floats. This is due to the molecular structure of water which causes ice to expand and become less dense when it freezes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The phenomenon where a solid does not completely submerge in water can be explained by physics, particularly by the principle that materials that are less dense than water will float. Ice is an example of such a material because it is less dense than liquid water. This exceptional property is due to the unique structure of water, which is influenced by its shape, polarity, and hydrogen bonding. When water freezes, it expands, causing ice to be less dense. As a result, when ice forms on the surface of ponds or lakes, it floats.
Additionally, the properties of water's surface tension further demonstrate the unique interactions between water molecules. Surface tension allows relatively denser objects, like a sewing needle or paper clip, to float on water under certain conditions. This phenomenon is possible because the molecules at the surface of water are pulled together, creating a 'skin' that can support the weight of the object as long as the force of gravity does not exceed the surface tension.
Lastly, the phase change of solids, such as sublimation and deposition, indicate that solids have high densities and their atoms or molecules occupy fixed positions which prevent them from filling the entire volume of their containers as gases do or adopting the shape of their containers as liquids do. Thus, a solid will only submerge in a liquid like water if its density is greater than that of water.