Final answer:
The states of water from most dense to least dense are liquid water, ice, and water vapor. Liquid water has the maximum density at approximately 4°C, ice is less dense due to hydrogen bonding, and water vapor is the least dense with molecules that are far apart.
Step-by-step explanation:
When arranging the states of water from most dense to least dense, the correct order is:
- Liquid Water
- Ice
- Water Vapor
Liquid water is most dense, particularly at about 4°C, where it reaches its maximum density. Ice, or solid water, is less dense than liquid water because of the hydrogen bonding that causes water molecules to spread out when water freezes. Water vapor, the gaseous state of water, is the least dense state due to the significant increase in molecular movement and spacing.
This behavior explains phenomena such as ice floating on the surface of bodies of water and allows aquatic life to survive beneath the ice layer during winters.