Question

Water is a major agent of weathering because of its property that, when it freezes, it decreases in density and ________.

A) evaporates
B) expands in volume
C) turns acidic
D) turns white
E) stays in liquid form below 0°Celsius

Answer 1

When water freezes, it expands in volume due to a unique property, making ice less dense than liquid water. This allows ice to float, creating an insulating layer that protects aquatic life. Water's high specific heat also impacts weather and climate by absorbing heat with minimal temperature change.

Step-by-step explanation:

Water is a major agent of weathering because of its property that, when it freezes, it decreases in density and expands in volume. This expansion has significant effects on the environment. For instance, when water in lakes and rivers freezes, it forms an ice layer on the surface, allowing life to continue beneath in the liquid water that is denser and warmer. The density of water is greatest at 4°C, which helps maintain aquatic life in cold conditions. Additionally, water's high specific heat capacity means that it can absorb a lot of heat without a significant change in temperature, influencing weather patterns and the climate.