There is NO chemical reaction during this lab. Because of their shape, water molecules are polar - one side of the molecule is more positive and one side of the molecule is more negative - (diagram above) and exhibit hydrogen bonding (diagram below). Atoms that are "bonded" together are ALWAYS closer to each other than "non-bonded" atoms.

For the results of this lab to be meaningful, measurement of the liquid volumes must be done correctly. Read the BOTTOM of the curved meniscus - CAREFULLY! The volume represented in the picture (left) is 6.6 cm3.