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Multiple Choice
Which of the following occurs because molecules of water are farther apart in ice than in liquid water?
A
Ice is denser than liquid water.
B
Ice expands when it melts.
C
Ice vaporizes before liquid water does.
D
Ice floats.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the structure of water molecules: In liquid water, molecules are closely packed together, while in ice, they form a crystalline structure that spaces them farther apart.
Recognize the concept of density: Density is defined as mass per unit volume. When molecules are farther apart, the substance has a lower density.
Apply the concept to ice: Because the water molecules in ice are farther apart, ice has a lower density compared to liquid water.
Relate density to buoyancy: Objects with lower density than the fluid they are in will float. Since ice is less dense than liquid water, it will float on water.
Conclude with the correct answer: The phenomenon of ice floating is due to the lower density of ice compared to liquid water, which is a result of the molecular structure of ice.