Why Does Water Expand When It Freezes? - Science ABC

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When water freezes, its molecules get arranged in a crystalline structure, thereby attaining a defined shape. This crystalline structure is less dense, and since there are gaps between individual molecules in the structure, the overall volume increases and water ‘expands’.

From a cursory glance, the phrase “water expands when it freezes” may not make sense, because in liquid form water has no definite shape or form, and therefore seems to occupy more space. Also, when it freezes, water takes on a clearly defined form, which seems quite the opposite of “expansion.”

Let me therefore begin by breaking down the question posed in the title of the article.

Ice cubes
Does ice have a higher volume compared to water? (Photo Credit : George Hodan / Public Domain Pictures)

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Does Water Expand When It Freezes?

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