Final answer:
To match the descriptions with the forms of water: Liquid water is the most dense form, ice has molecules held apart due to hydrogen bonding and is less dense than liquid water, and water vapor is the least dense state with widely separated molecules.
Step-by-step explanation:
The states of water can be characterized by their density, which is affected by how closely water molecules are packed together. This is influenced by the unique hydrogen bonding properties of water in its different states. Here is the correct matching based on the descriptions provided:
- Most dense form of water: Liquid water.
- Bonds hold water molecules far apart from each other: Ice.
- Least dense form of water: Water vapor.
At about 4°C, liquid water reaches its highest density. In its solid form, however, water expands due to the formation of a crystalline lattice, which is less dense than liquid water, allowing ice to float. Conversely, water vapor is the least dense state of water, with water molecules being the farthest apart due to the high kinetic energy breaking the hydrogen bonds.