Ice is the solid state of water. It forms when water freezes at or below 0 degrees Celsius (32 degrees Fahrenheit). This phase transition from liquid water to solid ice is an example of a physical change.
Ice has a crystalline structure, meaning its molecules are arranged in a regular, repeating pattern. This structure gives ice its characteristic hardness and transparency.
When water freezes into ice, it undergoes a phase transition from a liquid to a solid. This process involves the removal of heat energy from the water, causing the molecules to slow down and form the solid lattice structure of ice.
Some important properties of ice include its low density compared to liquid water, which is why ice floats on water. Additionally, ice has a specific heat capacity, meaning it requires a certain amount of heat energy to change its temperature.