How many molecules of water does it take to make ice?

Question

We cannot tell the difference between water and ice
if there are only few molecules, say 3 or 4, can we?

Answer 1

This is a really great question. Clearly one cannot make ice from one molecule. Ice is, after all, the result of low enough temperatures that water molecules (with an s), no longer vibrating rapidly because of the lower temperatures, bond to form the crystalline structure we call ice.

Given that ice crystals, like a snowflake, are typically hexagonal shaped, I'd say at least six molecules would need to bond to start the barest hint of ice (snow). As chance would bring these molecules together, generally speaking, the chances of six or more molecules connecting and bonding would clearly increase with increased numbers of water molecules. In fact, I would believe that the chances of six molecules being in position to start the bonding process would be pretty slim...but remotely possible.

Answer 2

I think it takes 12 molecules to make the smallest ice crystal. Six molecules can join together in a ring, but I would not call that ice.

See the pictures in the link below.

Answer 3

At molecular level you will need at least 6 molecules of water to form the thiniest ice crystal possible.

Answer 4

Well that depends on how much Ice

Answer 5

it depends on how much ice

Answer 6

it all depends on the temperature