What type of hydrogen bonds does ice have?

Ice has stable hydrogen bonds that contribute to its unique properties. In the solid state, water molecules arrange themselves in a crystalline structure, forming a stable network of hydrogen bonds that hold them in place. Each water molecule can form hydrogen bonds with up to four neighboring molecules, creating a rigid lattice that is relatively stable compared to the interactions in liquid water.

This stability is significant because it affects ice's density, making it less dense than liquid water and allowing it to float. The stable hydrogen bonds also lead to the unique characteristics of ice, such as its relatively high melting point compared to other small molecules. The interaction of these bonds at low temperatures is what keeps the structure intact, ensuring the solid remains stable until it absorbs enough heat to break those bonds during melting.