What is the size of water particles in gas and water phases?

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SUMMARY

The size of a water molecule is consistently measured at 2.78 Angstroms, applicable in both gas and liquid phases. In the gas phase, the molecular size remains approximately 2.78 Angstroms, while in the liquid phase, the presence of hydrogen bonding alters the effective size due to molecular interactions. When water freezes, its molecular arrangement leads to an increase in volume despite a decrease in mass, resulting in a unique structural configuration. Van der Waals forces indicate that water molecules exhibit two distinct sizes based on hydrogen bonding states, although specific measurements for these states require further clarification.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of molecular size and dimensions in chemistry
  • Familiarity with hydrogen bonding and its effects on molecular structure
  • Knowledge of phase transitions in water (liquid, gas, solid)
  • Basic grasp of Van der Waals forces and their implications
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the effects of hydrogen bonding on molecular size in water
  • Explore the concept of molecular dimensions in different phases of matter
  • Investigate Van der Waals forces and their role in molecular interactions
  • Study the physical properties of water during phase transitions, particularly freezing
USEFUL FOR

Chemists, materials scientists, and students studying molecular interactions and phase transitions in water will benefit from this discussion.

muppet68
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Hallo Everyone,

I am trying to find out what happens to the size of a water particle in the gas phase and water phase. Knowing that the max molecular size of one water molecule is 2,78Angstroms, I am not quite sure at which state this dimension is valid. When combined with other molecules (a mass of water ) then the molecules have a slightly lower size I guess due to the reduction of the angle between the two H atoms. In vapour state where one molecule may be airbourne will the molcule have an overall max dimension of 2,78A or greater?
As the water freezes the mass goes down but the volume goes up (expands) due to the alignment of the molecules, what measurment would one molecule have in this state?
Van der vaal says that water molecules have two sizes, one for hydrogen bonded and one for non-hygrogen bonded molecules but I don't know what these measuremnets are!
Can anyone help?

Thanks

Rob (Muppet68)
 
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