Water has an unusually high specific heat capacity because
Correct answer: C. a large amount of energy is used breaking hydrogen bonds before the temperature rises
- A. it is a very light molecule
- B. it is a good electrical conductor
- C. a large amount of energy is used breaking hydrogen bonds before the temperature rises
- D. it has a low boiling point
Explanation
Much of the heat supplied goes into breaking hydrogen bonds rather than into increasing the kinetic energy of the molecules, so the temperature rise per joule added is small. This makes water an excellent coolant in car radiators and gives coastal areas milder climates than inland regions. Its high latent heat of vaporisation has the same underlying cause.
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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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