In agricultural areas, farmers pay close attention to the weather forecast. Right before a predicted overnight freeze, farmers spray water on crops to protect the plants. Use the properties of water to explain how this method works. Be sure to mention why hydrogen bonds are responsible for this phenomenon.

Water has unique properties, including high specific heat, cohesion, and the ability to exist in three states. These properties arise from its molecular structure and hydrogen bonding. When water freezes, it expands, which is crucial for protecting crops during a freeze, as the water forms a protective layer that insulates the plants.

Hydrogen bonds are weak attractions between the hydrogen atom of one water molecule and the oxygen atom of another. These bonds are responsible for many of water's unique properties, including its high heat capacity and surface tension. In the context of freezing, hydrogen bonds help maintain the structure of ice, which is less dense than liquid water, allowing it to float and provide insulation.

When water is sprayed on crops before a freeze, it forms a layer of ice as temperatures drop. This ice layer acts as an insulator, slowing down the rate of heat loss from the plants. The heat released during the freezing process helps to keep the temperature of the crops above freezing, thereby protecting them from frost damage.