AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -The extra hydrogen bonds that occur when water freezes increase the space between molecules, causing a decrease in overall density. In fact, each water ice molecule forms hydrogen bonds with four other molecules, while water molecules only form hydrogen bonds with an average of 3.4 other molecules.

Detailed explanation-2: -Ice is less denser than water because in ice the molecules arrange themselves in a rigid tetrahedral structure due to which cage like spaces remain in their bonding. But water molecules remain in linear bonding form. As the volume of ice becomes greater, it is less denser.

Detailed explanation-3: -Water expands when it freezes making it less dense than the water from which it freezes. In fact, its volume is a little over 9% greater (or density ca. 9% lower) than in the liquid state. For this reason, ice floats on the water (like an ice cube in a glass of water).

Detailed explanation-4: -The “stuff” (molecules) in water is more tightly packed than in ice, so water has greater density than ice. Don’t let the fact that ice is a solid fool you! As water freezes it expands. So, ice has more volume (it takes up more space, but has less density) than water.