Question

The low density of ice compared to water is due to

(a) hydrogen bonding interactions

(b) dipole-dipole interactions

(c) dipole induced dipole interactions

(d) induced dipole - induced dipole interactions

Answer 1

Correct option is (a) hydrogen bonding interactions

In ice each O-atom is bonded with 4 H-atoms in a tetrahedral fashion. Two bonds are normal covalent bonds, while two are H-bonds (weaker and larger in length), and hence give rise to loose cage structure.