When water ([tex]\( H_2O \)[/tex]) freezes into ice, the process involves a transition from the liquid state to the solid state, thereby altering some of its properties. Let's analyze the options to see what stays the same.
1. Identity of the [tex]\( H_2O \)[/tex]:
- The molecular structure of water remains the same when it freezes. The chemical composition doesn't change; it remains [tex]\( H_2O \)[/tex]. This means that the identity of the substance remains the same before and after freezing.
2. Energy of the [tex]\( H_2O \)[/tex]:
- The energy of the molecules decreases when water transitions from liquid to solid. In the solid state, the molecules have less kinetic energy compared to when they are in the liquid state.
3. Arrangement of the [tex]\( H_2O \)[/tex]:
- The arrangement of the molecules changes significantly. In liquid water, the molecules are loosely associated and can move past each other. In ice, the molecules are arranged in a crystalline structure, forming a rigid lattice.
4. Property of the [tex]\( H_2O \)[/tex]:
- The physical properties such as density, specific heat, and conductivity change when water freezes into ice. For instance, ice is less dense than liquid water.
So, analyzing the changes during the phase transition of water to ice, we conclude that the one aspect that stays the same is the identity of the [tex]\( H_2O \)[/tex].
