Question Detail

CHM 101 Chemical Bonding and Intermolecular Forces Objective Question
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Question

Why does water have a unique property of expanding as it freezes, making ice less dense than liquid water?
Options
A Water molecules become more closely packed in the solid state
B Hydrogen bonding causes water molecules in ice to align in an open lattice structure
Correct Answer
C Water molecules lose all intermolecular forces when frozen
D Ice has stronger covalent bonds than liquid water
Correct Answer

Option B is the correct answer.

Detailed Explanation

Hydrogen bonding in water causes water molecules in ice to align in an open lattice structure. This arrangement creates more empty space between molecules compared to liquid water, causing ice to be less dense than liquid water, which is why ice floats.

Hint

Hydrogen bonds create a specific ordered structure in ice.

Question Info

Course: CHM 101
Topic: Chemical Bonding and Intermolecular Forces
Type: Objective
Difficulty: Not specified
Question 1625 of 1872
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