Why does ice have less density then water?

1 Answer
Amrita S.
Mar 1, 2018

The density of ice is less than the density of water because of the inter molecular hydrogen bond.

Explanation:

This is so because on heating ice , the hydrogen bonds breakup on progressively and the molecules start packing more closely in the vacant spaces.This happens up to3.98°C when water acquires a maximum density. Above this temperature, the normal expansion of the liquid more than compensates the increase in density due to close packing of molecules..

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