Moderate

The density of water may be__________________?

Correct answer: B. Greater than that of ice

  • A. Equal to that of ice
  • B. Greater than that of ice
  • C. Less than that of ice
  • D. All are possible

Explanation

At the same ordinary pressure and near 0°C, liquid water is denser than ice because ice has an open hydrogen-bonded structure with greater volume for the same mass. Students may choose option c by assuming the solid state must always be denser than the liquid state, which is not true for water.

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About Anomalous Behaviour of Water

Water expands when cooled below 4°C and when it freezes, giving liquid water its maximum density at 4°C. The explanation depends on hydrogen bonding and the open structure of ice, which makes ice less dense than water and allows it to float.

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