Is the density of near-freezing water, which contains microscopic ice crystals, greater or less than the density of liquid water containing no microscopic ice crystals?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When water starts to freeze, the molecules form a crystalline structure that is less dense than the liquid form. As more ice crystals form, they displace water molecules, causing the overall density of the near-freezing water to decrease. Therefore, near-freezing water containing microscopic ice crystals is less dense than liquid water that contains no ice crystals.

Is the Density of Near-Freezing Water, Which Contains Microscopic Ice