When we place ice on water it floats, but if we place a piece of solid wax in a container of liquid wax it does not float. This observation is best explained by which of the following statements? (A) Floating of ice on water is an anomaly (B) Sinking of solid wax is an anomaly (C) Density of ice is less than water (D) Density of solid wax in less than liquid wax
Both (A) and (C)
Statement (A) is correct because, for almost all substances, the solid state is denser than the liquid state and therefore sinks in its own liquid; water is an exception, since ice is less dense than liquid water and floats, which is why this behaviour is called an anomaly.
Statement (B) is incorrect because a solid sinking in its own liquid is the normal behaviour for most substances, including wax; it is not an anomaly.
Statement (C) is correct because the anomalous expansion of water on freezing makes the density of ice lower than that of liquid water, which is the actual reason ice floats.
Statement (D) is incorrect because solid wax is actually denser than liquid wax, which is why it sinks instead of floating.
Hence, both statements (A) and (C) together best explain why ice floats on water while solid wax does not float on liquid wax.
Important Questions from States of Matter
Which is correct statement ?
According to Charle's Law, which of the following is constant?
Which of the following statements is/are correct?
I. Mass vapor is obtained in the air by evaporation and transpiration.
II. Water circulation between the oceans and the water bodies is called the water cycle.
Which of the following arenot chemical changes?
1. Tempering of iron
2. Conversion of the iron piece into an electro-magnet by passing the current around the iron
3. Melting of iron
4. Rusting of iron
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Which of the following statements is not correct regarding matter?
