Which of the following helps most to explain why water has a high specific heat?

• A. Water has a low molecular mass compared to other liquids.
• B. Water contains ionic bonds between its atoms.
• C. Water is a nonpolar molecule.
• D. Water molecules form extensive hydrogen bonds with each other.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that specific heat is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of a substance by 1 degree Celsius per unit mass.
2. Recognize that water's high specific heat means it can absorb a lot of heat without a large increase in temperature.
3. Recall that water molecules are polar and can form hydrogen bonds, which are strong intermolecular forces between the hydrogen atom of one water molecule and the oxygen atom of another.
4. Analyze how hydrogen bonding requires additional energy to break or overcome these interactions before the water molecules can increase in kinetic energy (temperature).
5. Conclude that the extensive hydrogen bonding between water molecules is the primary reason for water's high specific heat, rather than molecular mass, ionic bonds, or nonpolarity.