Science Fact Finder | Chemistry and Physics - Why Is Liquid Water More Dense Than Ice?

Why is liquid water more dense than ice?

Pure liquid water reaches its greatest density (the quantity of something per unit measure) at 39.2° Fahrenheit (3.98° Celsius) and decreases in density as it freezes. The water molecules (particles made by the combination of two or more atoms) in ice are held in a rigid, six-sided geometric pattern by their hydrogen bonds. This produces an open, porous structure. The molecules in liquid water are more loosely bonded. A greater number of liquid water molecules than ice molecules can occupy a given volume (amount). Therefore, liquid water is more dense than ice.

Source: Leopold, Luna B. Water, p. 30.

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