Chapter U3.3, Problem 4E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: Whether the volume occupied by liquid water is more or less than ice needs to be determined.

Concept Introduction:

The density of a substance is related to its mass and volume as follows:

  $d=\frac{m}{V}$

Here, m is mass and V is volume.

Explanation of Solution

Density is defined as the space occupied by a substance with respect to the amount of matter in that substance. Here, the space occupied is volume and the amount of matter is mass. Thus, density is mass per unit volume of a substance. It is mathematically represented as follows:

  $d=\frac{m}{V}$

The density of ice is 0.92 g/mL and that of liquid water is 1 g/mL thus, density of ice is less than that of liquid.

Since, density is inversely related to volume, the volume of ice will be more than that of liquid water. As water freezes, it expands thus, volume increases.

Therefore, the volume occupied by liquid water is less than ice.