This form of water is the most dense

Study for the Earth Science Standards of Learning Test. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions, with hints and explanations for each question. Prepare for your exam efficiently!

Multiple Choice

This form of water is the most dense

Explanation:
Density is mass per unit volume, and for water the arrangement of molecules changes with the phase. In the liquid form, water molecules are packed closely together, giving a density around 1 g per cubic centimeter (with the maximum density of liquid water near 4°C). Ice, on the other hand, forms an open hexagonal lattice due to hydrogen bonding, which makes it less dense and causes it to float on liquid water. Water vapor is a gas with molecules far apart, so its density is much lower than that of liquid water. So, among the common forms, the liquid state is the most dense.

Density is mass per unit volume, and for water the arrangement of molecules changes with the phase. In the liquid form, water molecules are packed closely together, giving a density around 1 g per cubic centimeter (with the maximum density of liquid water near 4°C). Ice, on the other hand, forms an open hexagonal lattice due to hydrogen bonding, which makes it less dense and causes it to float on liquid water. Water vapor is a gas with molecules far apart, so its density is much lower than that of liquid water. So, among the common forms, the liquid state is the most dense.

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