Physical properties of water, IV • In crystalline water, H2O molecules bond together in a structure characterized by open, six-sided rings; the shape is dictated by the tetrahedral shape of H2O molecule • The volume filled by 24 H2O molecules in ice = the volume filled by 27 H2O molecules in water
Ice is less dense than water, & ice floats on water
In fresh water, find that the maximum density of water occurs at 4°C; between 4°C and freezing temperature water becomes less dense as more of it becomes structured
Ice is weak - bonds holding structure together are weak hydrogen bonds