Introductory Chemistry (5th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 032191029X
ISBN 13: 978-0-32191-029-5

Chapter 12 - Liquids, Solids, and Intermolecular Forces - Exercises - Questions - Page 440: 34

Answer

Water has unique properties, and because of its unique properties, the way water freezes has very significant consequences.Water expands on freezing, which is because ice is less dense and floats on water. As ice is less dense than water, water would go down the oceans and seas and settle down.This would eventually result in waterbodies completely freezing, destroying all aquatic life.The ice floats on the surface of waterbodies, insulating water beneath and preserving aquatic life.

Work Step by Step

Water has unique properties, and because of its unique properties, the way water freezes has very significant consequences.Water expands on freezing, which is because ice is less dense and floats on water. As ice is less dense than water, water would go down the oceans and seas and settle down.This would eventually result in waterbodies completely freezing, destroying all aquatic life.The ice floats on the surface of waterbodies, insulating water beneath and preserving aquatic life.
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