Question

Why does ice have a lower density than water? Explain.

Answer 1

• The maximum density of water is shown at 4°C (40°F). As it cools further and freezes into ice, it actually becomes less dense.
• Most of the substances show more density in their solid (frozen) state than in their liquid state. Water is different because of hydrogen bonding.
• In ice, the molecules are arranged in a rigid tetrahedral structure due to which cage-like spaces remain in their bonding.
• Water molecules remain in linear bonding form. As the volume of ice becomes greater, it is less dense.