Question
For most substances, the density of the solid phase is larger than for the liquid phase, but for water the reverse is true. What is the molecular-scale reason for this property of water? Why is this property important?
Step 1
Water molecules are polar, with the oxygen atom being more electronegative than the hydrogen atoms. This causes the oxygen atom to pull the electrons closer to itself, creating a partial negative charge on the oxygen atom and a partial positive charge on the Show more…
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