Which of the following explains why water is a liquid at room temperature but oxygen is a gas at the same temperature?
A. The cohesive forces between water molecules is less than that of oxygen.
B. Water is the universal solvent.
C. Water has a greater buoyancy force than that of oxygen.
D. Cohesive forces between water molecules is greater than that of oxygen.
Please Help!
I would say D.
To determine the correct answer, let's analyze each option:
A. The cohesive forces between water molecules is less than that of oxygen.
This option suggests that water molecules are less attracted to each other compared to oxygen molecules. However, in reality, water molecules have strong cohesive forces due to hydrogen bonding. These hydrogen bonds allow water to have unique properties like high boiling and melting points.
B. Water is the universal solvent.
While this statement is true, it does not explain why water is a liquid at room temperature while oxygen is a gas. Being a universal solvent means that water has the ability to dissolve many substances, but it doesn't directly relate to the question.
C. Water has a greater buoyancy force than that of oxygen.
Buoyancy force is the upward force exerted by a fluid (such as water or air) on an object submerged in it. While water may have a greater buoyancy force compared to oxygen, it does not explain why water is a liquid at room temperature while oxygen is a gas.
D. Cohesive forces between water molecules is greater than that of oxygen.
This option accurately describes the reason behind water being a liquid at room temperature. Water molecules have higher cohesive forces due to hydrogen bonding, which keeps the molecules close together.
Based on our analysis, the correct answer is option D. The greater cohesive forces between water molecules compared to oxygen molecules explain why water is a liquid at room temperature while oxygen is a gas.