Solid-state is denser than the liquid and gaseous states of the same substance. Which of the following is an exception to this rule?a)Iceb)Carbon dioxide (dry ice)c)Mercuryd)NaClCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Question

Answer

Exception to the rule that solid-state is denser than the liquid and gaseous states of the same substance is 'Ice'.

Explanation:
Ice is an exception to this rule due to a unique property of water. When water freezes, its molecules form a crystal lattice structure with an open framework that has empty spaces between the individual molecules. This causes ice to have a lower density than liquid water, which is why ice floats on top of water.

On the other hand, the other options do not have this property and follow the general rule that the solid-state is denser than the liquid and gaseous states of the same substance. Carbon dioxide (dry ice) is denser than gaseous carbon dioxide, and Mercury is denser than its gaseous and liquid states. NaCl is also denser in its solid state as compared to its liquid or gaseous states.

Answer

The density of ice is about 0.92 g/cm³ while that of water is 1 g/cm³. Mercury has density 14.184 g/cm³ as solid and 13.69 g/cm³ as liquid. Carbon dioxide has density 1.56 g/cm³ as solid and 1.10 g/cm³ as liquid. NaCl has density 2.71 g/cm³ as solid and 1.556 g/cm³ in molten state. Therefore only ice has lesser density as a solid than as a liquid.

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