Question

Assertion [A]: Saltwater is more dense than freshwater.

Reason [R]: Saltwater has less mass for the same amount of volume when compared to freshwater.

Read the above given statements about salinity and density and select the option that is true.

• A. Both A and R are true. R is the correct explanation for A.
• B. Both A and R are true. R is the incorrect explanation for A.
• C. A is true but R is false.
• D. Both A and R are false.

Answer 1

The correct option is C A is true but R is false.

Ocean temperature, salinity, and temperature are inter-related. Density equals mass by volume. Saltwater has more mass compared to freshwater for the same amount of volume. Thus, it is denser than freshwater. Due to higher density, saltwater sinks below in the ocean and floats above the freshwater from the rivers and rain. Similarly, cold water is also denser than warm water and floats above warm water in the ocean.