Why do snow flakes have hexagonal shapes?

Answer 1

First, not all snowflakes are perfectly symmetrical. In fact, the vast majority of snowflakes are asymmetrical. However they appear to be because on a microscopic scale, each side of a crystal being is such close proximity to the other will produce similar results because each molecule was formed under the same environmental conditions simultaneously.

Answer 2

Snowflakes aren't always shaped like hexagons - that is just the idealistic portrayal that we associate with the word 'snowflake', just as ran and tears do not fall in the perfect little pointed tear drop shapes that we often associate them with. Snowflakes form in numerous different shapes, it's really quite random - take a look at photos of snowflakes under magnifying glasses, and you'll see for yourself. As to why people immediately associate snowflakes with those perfect, pointy, hexagonal shapes, well - that's all down to psychology. I would suggest it would be because we prefer to think of things in their idyllic forms, not exactly as they appear in nature, as these idyllic forms tend to be more aesthetically pleasing.

Answer 3

snowflakes aren't all hexagonal. they have different shapes, sizes, and patterns.

Answer 4

That is really just what we see. They could be an entirely different shape.