Which describes a characteristic of water that is responsible for frost wedging?
A: Water contracts as it freezes
B: Water evaporates as it is heated
C: Water expands as it freezes
D; Water condenses as it is heated
A: Water contracts as it freezes
The characteristic of water responsible for frost wedging is C: Water expands as it freezes.
The characteristic of water that is responsible for frost wedging is described as water expanding as it freezes. This expansion occurs because the water molecules form crystalline structures when they freeze, which cause them to arrange themselves in a more spread-out manner compared to when they are in their liquid state. This expansion creates significant pressure in any confined space, such as cracks in rocks or pavement. Over time, the repeated freezing and thawing of water within these cracks can lead to the process known as frost wedging, where the pressure caused by the expanding ice eventually causes the material to break apart or crack further.
So, the correct answer is C: Water expands as it freezes.