NAEP Science Grade 12

Category - Biology

Biologically important properties of water such as its cohesion, high specific heat, anomalous phase densities, and role as a solvent can be attributed primarily to the:
  1. Tendency of water molecules to form double bonds.
  2. Hydrogen bonds that form between water molecules.
  3. Relatively low molecular weight of water compared to other liquids.
  4. Ability of water to dissociate into hydrogen and hydroxide ions.
Explanation
Correct Response: B. The fact that water forms hydrogen bonds with other water molecules means that water molecules are attracted to one another (cohesive). Water can also absorb a large amount of heat while going through a phase change because an initial input of heat is required to break hydrogen bonds between water molecules before a phase change can occur. Ice is less dense than liquid water because the hydrogen bonds force water molecules into a more rigid, less dense structure as water cools. Water can form hydrogen bonds with other molecules as well, contributing to water's role as a solvent. Water does not tend to form double bonds (A). The relatively low molecular weight of water (C) and water's ability to dissociate (D) do not contribute significantly to the collective set of properties listed.
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