Final answer:
The defining characteristic of water that is incorrect is 'Low specific heat capacity'. Water actually has a high specific heat capacity. Polarity, Surface tension, and Cohesion are all correct characteristics of water.
Step-by-step explanation:
The answer to this question is Choice C, meaning that low specific heat capacity is NOT a characteristic of water. Water in fact, has a high specific heat capacity which enables it to absorb or release a large amount of heat without changing its temperature significantly. This characteristic makes water an ideal medium for temperature regulation.
On the other hand, polarity, surface tension, and cohesion are all distinct properties of water. Polarity refers to the uneven distribution of charges in a molecule, which in water's case, results in a slightly positive charge on the hydrogen atoms and a slightly negative charge on the oxygen atom. Surface tension is a property that allows water to resist external force, while cohesion refers to the ability of water molecules to stick together due to hydrogen bonding.
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