Choose the correct statement: Liquid water ________.

• A. Is less dense than ice.
• B. Has a lower specific heat than most other molecules.
• C. Has a higher heat of vaporization than most other molecules.
• D. Is nonpolar.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of density in water: Ice is less dense than liquid water because the hydrogen bonds in ice create a lattice structure that takes up more space.
2. Review the concept of specific heat: Water has a high specific heat compared to most substances, meaning it can absorb a lot of heat before its temperature changes significantly.
3. Learn about heat of vaporization: Water has a high heat of vaporization, which means it requires a lot of energy to convert from liquid to gas. This is due to the strong hydrogen bonds that need to be broken.
4. Consider the polarity of water: Water is a polar molecule because of its bent shape and the difference in electronegativity between hydrogen and oxygen, leading to a partial positive charge on hydrogen and a partial negative charge on oxygen.
5. Evaluate the statements: Based on the above concepts, determine which statement accurately describes a property of liquid water.