Final answer:
Water can exist as ice (solid), liquid water, and steam (gas), each state differing in compressibility, shape, volume, and molecular structure. Ice is least compressible with a fixed shape and volume, liquid water has a definitive volume but takes the shape of its container, and steam has high compressibility with no fixed shape or volume.
Step-by-step explanation:
Water exists in three states: ice, liquid water, and steam. These states differ in terms of compressibility, structure, shape, and volume.
Ice is the solid state of water with a rigid structure where water molecules are held together in a fixed pattern by hydrogen bonds, resulting in a definite shape and volume. Ice has low compressibility because its molecules are already packed closely together.
Liquid water has a fluid structure with water molecules still connected by hydrogen bonds, but they move more freely than in ice. This allows liquid water to take the shape of its container while maintaining a definite volume. Compressibility is still low, but higher than in ice.
Steam is the gaseous state of water with a dispersed structure, with water molecules moving rapidly and far apart, resulting in neither a definite shape nor volume. Steam has high compressibility compared to the other states.
The arrangement of particles in each phase is distinct. In ice, the molecules are arranged in a regular, repeating pattern, somewhat resembling a lattice. In liquid water, the molecules are close together but not in a fixed position, they are constantly moving and rearranging. In steam, the molecules are widely separated and move at high speeds in all directions.
Changing from one phase to another involves adding or removing energy. The process of melting, evaporating, or sublimating involves adding energy, and for freezing, condensing, or depositing, energy is removed.