When atoms get colder or are frozen the atoms move it closer to one another, so why is it that ice expands when the atoms are supposed to move it closer to eachother?
2006-07-13 18:39:12 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Education & Reference ➔ Other - Education
It doesn't.........When it THAWS it expands,,,,,,,,,
2006-07-13 18:42:39 · answer #1 · answered by mizzzzthang 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is because of the unique way in which water crystalizes. When water forms a solid, it forms a pretty highly ordered, crystaline structure. Because of the geometry of this structure, the molecules are actually slightly farther away from each other than they are in liquid water.
Here's a link to a good picture of the structure of an ice crystal:
http://www.benbest.com/cryonics/icecryst.gif
2006-07-13 18:44:56 · answer #2 · answered by extton 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The atoms in water slide around. When it freezes, it crystalizes. The atoms attach end to end.
2006-07-13 18:43:18 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually no, and it is because of the polarity of the H2O molecule. It forms a lattice.
2006-07-13 18:42:49 · answer #4 · answered by cyanne2ak 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋