Why does water become white when you freeze it?

Answer 1

Hi David,

strictly speaking ice does not become white when it freezes. However, when ice is formed it occupies more space than the original volume of water, so if the ice is not free to expand and freeze freely, the structure will break up and it is this that gives the white appearance.

You can test this by taking a piece of ice, say from the frozen surface of a pond or pool and then 'rinse' it under clear water. Hold the 'slice of ice' in front of your eye and you'll be able to see through it as though it were glass.

Hardly worth getting frozen fingers over, though,

Cheers...I'll have mine in a Gin and Tonic.

BobSpain

Answer 2

Simply, air inside the liquid water becomes visible as water freezes. As water freezes, the bonds between the water molecules strengthen, causing the ice to harden. Tiny natural air bubbles found in tap water begin to be pressed together by the crystalization of the freezing water. Just as tiny water specks in the sky form clouds, tiny air specks in ice makes it cloudy.

Answer 3

because of the new form (ice)- the particles have to bind together

Answer 4

because it frozen