Question

In the structure of ice, cach oxygen atom is surrounded by four other oxygen atoms. (1) tetrahedrally (2) octahedrally (3) square planar manner (4) nonc of these

Short answer

Option (1) tetrahedrally

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Structure of Ice

Study the arrangement of molecules in the ice structure. Ice has a crystalline structure where each oxygen atom forms hydrogen bonds with four neighboring oxygen atoms.

Identify the Geometrical Arrangement

Analyze the geometrical arrangement formed by the oxygen atoms around a central oxygen atom. The bonds are situated at the corners of a tetrahedron.

Compare with Given Options

Compare the described geometric arrangement with the given options: tetrahedrally, octahedrally, square planar manner, and none of these.

Select the Correct Option

Conclude that the arrangement where each oxygen atom is surrounded by four others in the ice structure is tetrahedral.

Key concepts

hydrogen bonding in ice

Hydrogen bonding plays a crucial role in the structure of ice. In an ice crystal, each water molecule connects to four adjacent water molecules through hydrogen bonds. This bonding occurs because the hydrogen atoms of one water molecule are attracted to the oxygen atoms of other water molecules.

Imagine water molecules as tiny magnets. The positive (hydrogen) side of one molecule attracts the negative (oxygen) side of another, forming a bond. These bonds are relatively weak compared to covalent bonds but are strong enough to hold the molecules in a specific arrangement.

What's fascinating is that these hydrogen bonds arrange themselves in a way that maximizes distance between each molecule, leading to a less dense structure compared to liquid water. This is why ice floats on water. Unlike in liquids where the molecules are closer together, the hydrogen bonds in ice keep the water molecules spaced apart, making ice less dense.

crystalline structure of ice

Ice has a distinctive crystalline structure that can be visualized as a repeating pattern of water molecules. In this arrangement, every water molecule forms hydrogen bonds with four neighboring molecules, creating a definite pattern.

Think of it like a 3D puzzle where each piece perfectly fits only in a specific orientation. This repeating pattern contains all the water molecules evenly spaced and arranged in layers. Each layer contains hexagonal patterns forming what's known as a hexagonal crystal lattice.

The unique crystalline structure also contributes to the properties of ice, such as its rigidity and its beautiful, symmetrical snowflakes. Snowflakes form when water vapor condenses directly into ice and adopts the hexagonal pattern. This is how we get the stunning and intricate designs we often see.

tetrahedral arrangement

In the ice crystal structure, each oxygen atom is surrounded tetrahedrally by four other oxygen atoms. This means the bonds form a shape resembling a pyramid with a triangular base, known as a tetrahedron.

Visualize a central oxygen atom with four oxygen atoms placed around it at equal distances, positioned at the corners of a tetrahedron. The bond angles forming this arrangement are approximately 109.5 degrees. This specific arrangement is significant because it allows the formation of stable hydrogen bonds.

The tetrahedral arrangement not only affects the microscopic structure but also explains many of ice's macroscopic properties, like its density and melting behavior. For instance, as ice melts, this tetrahedral arrangement breaks down, allowing water molecules to get closer together, explaining why liquid water is denser than ice.