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The characteristic shapes and crystalline structure found in ice and snow are down to a number of variables.
Pressure, temperature and impurities can alter the way water molecules interact and therefore change the shape. Most importantly is the electrostatic attraction between the Hydrogen and Oxygen found in water.
The elements Hydrogen and Oxygen share valence electrons to form water, and as each water molecule has a strong chemical polarity, these molecules are highly attracted to each other, forming a uniform electrostatic bond.
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What are the different crystalline forms of ice?
Ice can exist in various crystalline forms, including Ice Ih (hexagonal), Ice II (tetragonal), Ice III (cubic), Ice V (cubic), Ice VI (tetragonal), Ice VII (cubic), and Ice XI (hexagonal). The structure of ice varies depending on pressure and temperature conditions.
What is the definition of snow?
Frozen precipitation in the form of white or translucent hexagonal ice crystals that fall in soft, white flakes.
Why does a ice cube kept in a freezer does not change its shape?
The ice cube remains in its shape in the freezer because the temperature inside the freezer is below the ice cube's melting point, preventing it from melting or changing shape. As long as the temperature stays below freezing, the ice cube will remain solid.
Does an ice lolly have a fixed shape?
An ice lolly starts in a solid state but can change shape as it melts due to heat from outside sources or ambient temperature.
Are snowflakes always white?
Snowflakes are made of ice crystals, and their color is determined by the way light interacts with them. Under normal conditions, snowflakes appear white due to the reflection and scattering of light by the ice crystals. However, they can sometimes appear translucent or take on other colors when impurities or certain atmospheric conditions are present.
