Which form of water has the highest density?

• A. Liquid water
• B. Water vapor
• C. Supercooled water
• D. Ice

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of density: Density is defined as mass per unit volume. It is a measure of how much mass is contained in a given volume.
2. Consider the molecular arrangement in different states of water: In the solid state (ice), water molecules are arranged in a crystalline structure that is less dense than liquid water due to hydrogen bonding, which creates an open hexagonal lattice.
3. Analyze the density of water vapor: Water vapor is the gaseous state of water, where molecules are far apart compared to the liquid and solid states, resulting in a much lower density.
4. Examine supercooled water: Supercooled water is liquid water that is cooled below its normal freezing point without becoming solid. It remains denser than ice because the molecules are still more closely packed than in the solid state.
5. Conclude with liquid water: Liquid water has the highest density among the given options because the molecules are closely packed together, allowing for more mass per unit volume compared to ice and water vapor.