ordered, fluid state. In ice, molecules are tightly packed in a crystal lattice, vibrating in place but not freely moving. As they melt, they gain energy, breaking free from their fixed positions and becoming able to move past each other, resulting in liquid water. Here's a more detailed breakdown:Solid State (Ice):Water molecules are held in a fixed, crystalline structure due to hydrogen bonds. They vibrate in place, but their movement is restricted. This structure is less dense than liquid water, which is why ice floats. Transition (Melting):As ice is heated, the molecules gain kinetic energy. This energy weakens the hydrogen bonds, allowing the molecules to break free from their fixed positions and begin to move around more freely. Liquid State (Water):In liquid water, molecules are still attracted to each other through hydrogen bonds, but they can move past each other, slide around, and take the shape of their container. The molecules are closer together than in ice, but they have more freedom of movement.