Give and explain 2 of the anomalous properties of ice caused by hydrogen bonding

Compared to water ice is less dense this is due to hydrogen bonds in the open lattice holding the H2O molecules apart whereas in liquid form the hydrogen bonds break allowing the molecules of water to be closer together .
Ice also has a relatively high freezing and boiling point due to its hydrogen bonds as they’re stronger than Van der Waals forces therefore more energy is needed to break the hydrogen bonds resulting in higher freezing and boiling points.

MT
Answered by Morgan T. Chemistry tutor

24072 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is the order of decreasing acidity for the molecules phenol, ethanoic acid and ethanol? Why?


Why does the first ionisation energy generally increase across a period? Explain why there are dips in energy between groups 2 and 3 and groups 5 and 6?


Types of chemical bonds


An excess of Lead (II) oxide reacts with 175cm3 of 1.5 mol dm3 nitric acid. Calculate the maximum quantity of lead that can be obtained from this reaction.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning