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What happens to the motion between water molecules when liquid water transforms to a solid?

a. Hydrogen bonds are broken.
b. Atoms in the liquid water move more slowly.
c. Atoms in the liquid water move more quickly.
d. More hydrogen bonds form between the molecules.

1 Answer

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Final answer:

As liquid water transforms into ice, the movement of water molecules slows, and more hydrogen bonds form, leading to a well-ordered crystalline lattice that is less dense than liquid water. The correct answer is d. More hydrogen bonds form between the molecules.

Step-by-step explanation:

When liquid water transforms into a solid, the motion between water molecules slows down due to a reduction in kinetic energy.

This process leads to an interesting phenomenon: the hydrogen bonds holding the water molecules together become more ordered and structured.

In the solid state, known as ice, these hydrogen bonds create a crystalline lattice that is arranged in such a way to make ice less dense than liquid water.

Hence, more hydrogen bonds form between the molecules, creating a rigid and spacious structure. Unlike in most other liquids where the solid form is denser, the solid form of water has a lower density, leading to the unique property of ice floating on liquid water, which is crucial for the survival of aquatic life in cold climates.

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