Question

Why is ice less dense than water?​

Answer 1

Ice is less denser than water because of hydrogen bonding. Actually, in ice, the hydrogen bonds are shorter and they hold up more wtaer molecules in an open lattice which increases the volume of the water.

Since, density = mass/ volume

So, increase in volume decreases the density of ice.

When, these ice melt, the regidity of hydrogen bonds break and the water molecules come closer so that the volume decreases and density increases.

Answer 2

When water freezes, water molecules form a crystalline structure maintained by hydrogen bonding. Solid water, or ice, is less dense than liquid water. Ice is less dense than water because the orientation of hydrogen bonds causes molecules to push farther apart, which lowers the density.

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