/*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} Problem 29 Why is ice less dense than water... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91影视

91影视

Log out

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 12: Problem 29

Why is ice less dense than water?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Ice is less dense than water because when water freezes, the water molecules arrange themselves in a structure that leaves more open space compared to the random arrangement in liquid water. Consequently, fewer molecules can fit into the same space, resulting in lower density.

Step by step solution

01

Explanation of density

Density is defined as the mass per unit volume. In short, it's how much stuff is packed into a certain amount of space. If an object is dense, it means there's a lot of mass in a small volume. If it's less dense, there's less mass in the same amount of volume. The concept of density applies to all states of matter, including solids, liquids, and gases.
02

The structure and behavior of water molecules in liquid state

Water molecules are made up of one oxygen atom and two hydrogen atoms, bonded together by covalent bonds. In a liquid state, water molecules are constantly moving about and can be close together or farther apart at any given time. The varying distances between the molecules mean that they can pack together quite compactly, making water more dense.
03

The structure and behavior of water molecules in solid state

When water freezes and becomes ice, the movement of the water molecules slows down. They begin to arrange themselves in a distinct, repeating pattern, with each oxygen atom loosely bonded to four other hydrogen atoms, forming a tetrahedral shape. This arrangement leads to open spaces in the structure of the ice, meaning fewer molecules can be fitted into the same space. Hence, the mass per unit volume (density) decreases, leading to ice being less dense than water.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91影视!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

What is viscosity? What is the relationship between the intermolecular forces that exist in a liquid and its viscosity?

Which elements can take part in hydrogen bonding?

What is the relationship between intermolecular forces in a liquid and the liquid's boiling point and critical temperature? Why is the critical temperature of water greater than that of most other substances?

Calculate the number of spheres in these unit cells simple cubic, body- centered cubic, and face-centerec cubic cells. Assume that the spheres are of equa size and that they are only at the lattice points.

Why are metals good conductors of heat and electricity? Why does the ability of a metal to conduct electricity decrease with increasing temperature?
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Chemistry Textbooks

Kinetics

Read Explanation

Inorganic Chemistry

Read Explanation

Physical Chemistry

Read Explanation

Making Measurements

Read Explanation

Chemistry Branches

Read Explanation

Chemical Reactions

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.