Which of the following is not a property of water? Group of answer choices
A. ability to adhere to other substances
B. ability to moderate temperatures
C. ability to contract upon freezing
D. ability to dissolve a wide variety of substances
Correct Answer: C. Ability to contract upon freezing
Water does not contract when freezing; instead, it expands due to the formation of a crystalline hydrogen-bonded structure.
Scientific Explanation of Water’s Properties
Water has unique physical and chemical properties due to its hydrogen bonding and polarity, which contribute to its role in biological and environmental processes.
Adhesion to Other Substances (A)
Water molecules stick to polar and charged surfaces due to their hydrogen bonding capability.
Example: Capillary action in plants allows water to travel against gravity in xylem tissues.
Moderation of Temperature (B)
Water has a high specific heat capacity (4.18 J/g°C), meaning it absorbs and retains heat efficiently.
Example: Oceans and large water bodies stabilize global temperatures by absorbing heat in summer and releasing it in winter.
Expansion Upon Freezing (C – Incorrect Option)
Water expands when it freezes (unlike most substances that contract).
This occurs because hydrogen bonds force molecules into a structured lattice, reducing density.
Example: Ice floating on lakes prevents complete freezing, helping aquatic life survive in winter.
Dissolving a Wide Range of Substances (D)
Water is the universal solvent because it dissolves ionic and polar compounds effectively.
Example: Sodium chloride (NaCl) dissolves in water as polar water molecules surround and separate the ions.
Why Does Water Expand Instead of Contracting?
Unlike other liquids, where molecules get closer in the solid state, ice forms a hexagonal lattice that keeps molecules farther apart, making it less dense than liquid water.
Real-World Impact of Water’s Expansion
Environmental: Ice floating on water bodies creates an insulating layer, preventing complete freezing and sustaining marine life.
Structural Engineering: Water’s expansion when freezing can crack pipes and roads, requiring special construction considerations.
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