Assume that water filling a crack in a rock undergoes cycles of freezing and melting.Which of the following statements is true?
A)Water expands as it melts, causing the crack walls to be pushed apart.
B)Water shrinks as it freezes, causing the crack walls to be drawn closer together.
C)Water expands as it freezes, causing the crack walls to be pushed apart.
D)Water shrinks as it melts, causing the crack walls to be pulled closer together.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When water freezes, it expands and takes up more space than it did as a liquid. This expansion can push against the walls of the crack, causing them to be pushed apart. As the ice melts, the water returns to its liquid form and takes up less space, causing the crack walls to be pulled together. Therefore, the correct answer is C.

Assume That Water Filling a Crack in a Rock Undergoes