2007-12-15 00:50:45 · 2 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
Hydrogen bonds are the main factor. water is in the V shape with the oxygen being at the bottom of the V and the hydrogens at the top ends. The hydrogens are attached to other oxygens on other water molecules in essence holding water towards itself. Therefore, you need to lower the temperature to freeze it than what would be expected from a non H-bonding molecule b/c you need to break this H-bonding arrangement. Look at it this way, H-bonds stabilizes the liquid state of water. Therefore, it increases the boiling point and lowers the melting point.
2007-12-15 01:02:30 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because of the shape of the molecule; bent with a hydrogen ion at each end, the positive hydrogen ions of one molecule are attracted to the negative oxygen ions of adjoining molecules ('hydrogen bonding)". Because of this, water has a much lower melting and higher boiling point than would be expected.
Edit: CraigK beat me to it.
2007-12-15 01:03:19 · answer #2 · answered by AndrewG 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋