Why is liquid water denser than ice, which is unusual for compounds?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the unusual property of water compared to ice and requires an explanation based on scientific principles concerning density and the behavior of water as it transitions between states, specifically from liquid to solid.
Answer
Ice expands as it forms.
The final answer is Ice expands as it forms.
Answer for screen readers
The final answer is Ice expands as it forms.
More Information
Water is unusual because its solid form, ice, is less dense than its liquid form. This is caused by the hydrogen bonds forming a lattice structure which makes ice expand.
Tips
Avoid confusing the cause of density differences. It's the expansion due to lattice formation that decreases ice density.
Sources
- Liquid water denser than solid water (ice) - Khan Academy - khanacademy.org
- Why does ice have a lower density than water? - physics.stackexchange.com
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