Final answer:
Water expands when it freezes, which is why ice is less dense than liquid water and allows it to float. Water's density is crucial for aquatic life survival in cold climates.
Step-by-step explanation:
The properties of water are crucial for understanding both its role in the environment and its behavior as a chemical substance. As you've been learning, water has several unique characteristics:
- Water expands when it freezes.
- Ice is less dense than liquid water.
- Water is most dense at about 4°C.
- Water's density variations play a significant role in ecosystem survival during cold periods.
Therefore, the correct answer to the question is: Water expands when it freezes (Option B).