Final answer:
Between 4 and 0°C, water undergoes a phase transition from a liquid to a solid state, forming ice. This transition is characterized by the formation of a rigid and well-defined network of hydrogen bonds, resulting in less density and increased volume compared to liquid water. Understanding this phenomenon is important for studying the properties of water and its impact on various biological and physical processes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Between 4 and 0 °C, the density of water decreases as the hydrogen bonds begin to form a network characterized by a generally hexagonal structure with open spaces in the middle of the hexagons. This is the temperature range where water transitions from a liquid to a solid state and forms ice. Ice has the unique property of having a less dense solid state than its liquid state, which causes it to float on liquid water. This phenomenon is due to the rigid and well-defined network of hydrogen bonds that form in ice, resulting in gaps and increased volume compared to the more motile and less ordered structure of liquid water.