To determine which option accurately describes the behavior of water when subjected to temperature change, let's review the unique properties of water:
1. Option A: "The volume of water will increase if cooled from 3°C to 2°C."
- This statement is inaccurate. Water actually expands when it is cooled below 4°C down to 0°C. Specifically, as water cools from 3°C to 2°C, it exhibits a decrease in volume.
2. Option B: "A mass of water will expand if heated from 0°C to 2°C."
- This statement is incorrect. As water is heated from 0°C, up to about 4°C, it actually contracts, and its density increases. It only begins to expand after reaching approximately 4°C.
3. Option C: "The volume of water will decrease if heated from 6°C to 7°C."
- Normally, heating a liquid causes expansion. However, for water, when heated from 6°C to 7°C, it expands. Therefore, this statement is not accurate.
4. Option D: "A mass of water will contract if cooled from 1°C to 0°C."
- This statement is correct. When water is cooled from 1°C to 0°C, it contracts until it starts forming ice. The unique property of water is that it has a maximum density at around 4°C, and as it gets colder towards the freezing point, it starts expanding again.
Given these points, the best answer is:
D. A mass of water will contract if cooled from 1°C to 0°C.
