Is water less dense as a solid?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking whether the density of water changes when it solidifies into ice, implying a need to understand the properties of water in different states of matter and the concept of density.
Answer
Yes, water is less dense as a solid.
Solid water, or ice, is less dense than liquid water because of the crystalline structure formed by hydrogen bonds which keeps the molecules farther apart.
Answer for screen readers
Solid water, or ice, is less dense than liquid water because of the crystalline structure formed by hydrogen bonds which keeps the molecules farther apart.
More Information
Water's unique property of being less dense as a solid is due to the hydrogen bonding that creates a hexagonal lattice in ice. This structure spaces the molecules further apart compared to the denser liquid form, which is why ice floats on water.
Tips
A common mistake is assuming all substances are denser in their solid forms. Water is an exception.
Sources
- Water - Gas, Liquid, and Solid Water - LibreTexts - bio.libretexts.org
- Density of Water — Comparison of Solid vs. Liquid - Expii - expii.com
- Why is water less dense in its solid state? - MyTutor - mytutor.co.uk
