Question

the structure of ice is best characterized as:
a an amorphous solid with no long - range order
b tightly packed molecules with little space in between
c a hexagonally - shaped, open framework of molecules
d a crystal lattice of alternating hydrogen and oxygen atoms

Explanation:

Ice is a crystalline solid. Water molecules in ice form a hexagonal - shaped, open - framework structure due to hydrogen bonding. This structure has more space between molecules compared to liquid water, which is why ice is less dense than water. Option a is incorrect as ice is a crystalline, not amorphous solid. Option b is wrong because ice has an open structure with significant space between molecules. Option d is incorrect as ice is made of water molecules ($H_2O$) not a lattice of alternating hydrogen and oxygen atoms.

Answer:

c. a hexagonally - shaped, open framework of molecules