Question 29

High specific heat is a benefit of water's ability to make hydrogen bonds.

Water's capacity to form hydrogen bonds contributes significantly to its high specific heat, allowing it to absorb and store large amounts of heat without a substantial change in temperature.

A) Lack of cohesiveness

This option is incorrect because water's ability to form hydrogen bonds actually enhances its cohesiveness. The hydrogen bonds create a strong attraction between water molecules, allowing them to stick together rather than lacking cohesiveness.

B) Low surface tension

This option is also incorrect. Water's hydrogen bonds lead to high surface tension, not low. The cohesive forces between water molecules create a surface that resists external force, making water droplets form beads instead of spreading out.

C) Use as a nonpolar solvent

This option is incorrect because water is a polar solvent, not a nonpolar one. Its hydrogen bonds enable it to dissolve many ionic and polar substances, but it does not serve as a nonpolar solvent, which is characteristic of substances that do not interact well with polar molecules like water.

D) High specific heat

This option is correct. Water's ability to form hydrogen bonds allows it to absorb significant amounts of heat energy while only experiencing small changes in temperature. This property is crucial for regulating climate and supporting life on Earth.

Conclusion

High specific heat is a direct benefit of water's hydrogen bonding, enabling it to maintain stable temperatures in various environments. In contrast, the other options are incorrect as they misrepresent water's properties related to cohesiveness, surface tension, and solvent capabilities. Thus, D is the only option that correctly identifies a benefit of hydrogen bonding in water.