How are molecules in a liquid organized (eg h2o in liquid water)? Are they all connected (as in solids like ice) or is there more empty space between them?

Question

Apologies if this question is confusing.

I get that if you see a block of ice that it’s just all h2o molecules packed/linked right next to each other with miniscule amounts of empty space between them but I’m not sure how the h2o molecules in liquid water are organized. Is it the same where water is 100% h2o molecules all connected to each other with little to no space between each molecule but in a more amorphous shape? Or is there much more space between the molecules/they aren’t directly connected to each other and they’re all just floating around more?

In: Chemistry

Answer 1

Water is actually a bad example. *Most* matter occupies less space as it changes from gas to liquid to solid. Water occupies less space going from gas (water vapor) to liquid (water) but occupies *more* space when it changes from liquid to solid.