Why is the density of ice less than that of liquid water?

Answer 1

Ice is less dense than water because as water cools and becomes a solid (freezes), hydrogen bonds form between the water molecules. In the liquid phase of water, the molecules "snuggle up" to each other in the fluid. But as water goes solid, the hydrogen bonds dictate that the molecules will have to "stop snuggling" and move apart a bit as those hydrogen bonds set up spacing in the now-solid molecules. Ice has become less dense than the water that it formed from because the hydrogen bonds, which begin forming at just above 0 °C, force the molecules apart a bit to form the solid (ice) matrix.

Answer 2

because of anomolous expansion of water from 0 degree celsius to 4 degrre celsius in which instead of contracting as it should on cooling, it expands therefore volume increases mass being same. since density is mass upon volume hence it decreases and becomes less than water

Answer 3

When freezing water expand and water molecules move away from each other.It shows negative thermal expansion.It result an increase in volume and decrease in density.So ibe have a lower density.

Answer 4

The density of ice is less than that of liquid water because the water molecules in ice are arranged in a more spread-out, open structure with empty spaces between them. In liquid water, the molecules are densely packed and constantly moving, leading to a higher density.

Answer 5

The water molecules form hexagonal crystals when becoming solid, therefore the molecules become further appart, thus decreasing the density.

Answer 6

because ice is frozen water. And it's turned into a solid and water is a liquid. The particles are less compacted in water than they are in ice.

Answer 7

because it is.