No, molecules of H₂O are not closer together in steam than in water. In fact, they are much farther apart in steam.

Here's why:

* Water (liquid): In liquid water, the molecules are closely packed together due to strong hydrogen bonding between them.

* Steam (gas): In steam (water vapor), the molecules are much more spread out and move freely. This is because the energy of the molecules has increased, breaking the hydrogen bonds and allowing them to escape into the gas phase.

Therefore, the distance between H₂O molecules is significantly greater in steam compared to liquid water.