Which statement best describes the densities of the solid, liquid, and gaseous phases of water?

• A. All three phases of water have approximately the same density.
• B. Ice (solid) is less dense than liquid water, while water vapor (gas) is much less dense than both.
• C. Ice (solid) is more dense than liquid water, and water vapor (gas) is the most dense phase.
• D. Liquid water is less dense than both ice and water vapor.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall the general relationship between the densities of solid, liquid, and gas phases for most substances: solids are usually more dense than liquids, and liquids are more dense than gases.
2. Understand that water is an exception to this general rule because of the hydrogen bonding in ice, which creates an open hexagonal structure making ice less dense than liquid water.
3. Recognize that liquid water molecules are more closely packed than in ice, so liquid water has a higher density than ice.
4. Remember that gases, including water vapor, have molecules that are far apart compared to solids and liquids, so water vapor has a much lower density than both ice and liquid water.
5. Conclude that the correct description is: Ice (solid) is less dense than liquid water, while water vapor (gas) is much less dense than both.