Question

At its melting point, ice is lighter than water because:

• A. $H_{2}O$ molecules are more closely packed in the solid state.
• B. Ice crystals have a hollow hexagonal arrangement of $H_{2}O$ molecules.
• C. On melting of ice, the $H_{2}O$ molecules shrink in size.
• D. Ice forms mostly heavy water on melting

Answer 1

The correct option is B Ice crystals have a hollow hexagonal arrangement of $H_{2}O$ molecules.

Ice crystals have a hollow hexagonal arrangement of $H_{2}O$ molecules.
In ice, the hydrogen-bonded molecules are farther apart than in the liquid state.
This arrangement traps more space - which is why ice is less dense than
water.