The discussion confirms that the degrees of freedom for a water molecule remain unchanged during phase transitions between solid, liquid, and gas states. Each water molecule possesses a total of 9 degrees of freedom: 3 translational and 6 associated with rotational and vibrational modes (3 rotational, 2 stretching, and 1 bending). This consistency in degrees of freedom applies regardless of the phase, including bulk ice, where these modes still exist.
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Geronimo85 said:For a molecule of water, I understand that there are 6 degrees of freedom for each of the three atoms within it; 3 translational and 3 due to the potential energy of the bonds. Is this at all affected when the water goes from solid to liquid or gas?
Geronimo85 said:For a molecule of water, I understand that there are 6 degrees of freedom for each of the three atoms within it; 3 translational and 3 due to the potential energy of the bonds. Is this at all affected when the water goes from solid to liquid or gas?