Moderate

When water freezes at 0°C its density decreases due to_______________?

Correct answer: C. Empty space present in the structure of ice

  • A. Change of bond angles
  • B. Cubic structure of ice
  • C. Empty space present in the structure of ice
  • D. Change of bond length

Explanation

When water freezes, hydrogen bonds arrange its molecules into an open lattice containing empty spaces, so the same mass occupies a larger volume and density decreases. Students may choose change of bond angle, but the important consequence is the open structure and its empty spaces.

Last updated

About Anomalous Behaviour of Water

Water expands when cooled below 4°C and when it freezes, giving liquid water its maximum density at 4°C. The explanation depends on hydrogen bonding and the open structure of ice, which makes ice less dense than water and allows it to float.

Practise Liquids

350 free Liquids MCQs from Chemistry, each with the correct answer and an explanation. Unlimited attempts, no account needed.

Exams that ask Chemistry questions like this

Chemistry is on 12 papers prepared for on TestUstad, and all of them draw the same bank, so this question is worth knowing for every one of them.

Related questions