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 Blank

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?