Why does water expand when freezing?
Show answer & explanation
Answer: Molecules form crystal lattice
Molecules form crystal lattice ✓ — Correct! Water molecules form a hexagonal crystal structure when freezing, spacing them farther apart than in liquid form. This is why ice floats and pipes can burst in winter—ice is about 9% less dense than water!
Cold makes molecules grow — Wrong. Molecules don't change size. They just arrange differently in solid form.
Freezing adds water vapor — Wrong. No water is added during freezing. The same molecules just take up more space.