As pure water approaches its freezing point, the density decreases. Why does this happen?
a. The water compresses into ice.
b. The hydrogen bonds become rigid, allowing it to expand slightly.
c. The hydrogen bonds break as the molecules compress.
d. Ice takes up a smaller surface area than liquid water
ANS: B
When water molecules begin to freeze, the bond angles become wider. This allows the molecules to
precisely come together in hexagonal patterns. This particular lattice pattern causes water to expand as
it becomes a solid. The ice then becomes less dense than water. Information can be found in the
section Water Has Unusual Thermal Characteristics
You might also like to view...
What land form dominates much of New Zealand?
A) lush tropical rainforest B) deserts C) wide plains D) eroded sedimentary formations E) volcanic mountains
Suppose a weather forecast states the following: Increasing high cloudiness and cold this morning; clouds increasing and lowering this afternoon, with a chance of snow or rain tonight; precipitation ending tomorrow morning; turning much warmer; winds light and easterly today, becoming southeasterly tonight and southwesterly tomorrow. Which of the following types of weather fronts would be responsible for this forecast?
A. cold front B. stationary front C. warm-type occluded front D. warm front
The mass extinction at the end of the Ordovician set the stage for:a
more species to go extinct. b. groups of organisms to diversify. c. groups of organisms to withdraw from previous habitats. d. groups of organisms to repopulate abandoned niches. e. groups of organisms to diversify AND to repopulate abandoned niches.
The polar front occurs in which of the following regions?
A) 30 degrees B) 30 to 60 degrees C) 60 degrees D) 60 to 90 degrees E) Poles (90 degrees)