Property of Water

Hotspot

Click on the partial negative area of H2O.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following statements best explains why ice floats on water?

• Ice is less dense than liquid water due to the lattice structure formed by hydrogen bonds.

• Ice is heavier than liquid water because of its solid state.

• Ice molecules are more tightly packed than liquid water molecules.

• Ice contains more hydrogen atoms than liquid water.

Multiple Select

Which of the following are examples of water's cohesive and adhesive properties? (There are 3 correct answers!)

• Surface tension allowing insects to walk on water

• Water forming a meniscus in a graduated cylinder

• Salt dissolving in water

• Capillary action in plants

Fill in the Blanks

Water's heat capacity protects organisms from drastic

in temperature.

Open Ended

What questions do you still have about the properties of water and its importance in biological systems?