Which of the following represents the correct order of densities?

\(CCl_4 > CHCl_3 > CH_2Cl_2 > H_2O > CH_3Cl\)

The correct answer is option 2. \(CCl_4 > CHCl_3 > CH_2Cl_2 > H_2O > CH_3Cl\).

The order of densities of the chloromethanes and water is \(CCl_4 > CHCl_3 > CH_2Cl_2 > H_2O > CH_3Cl\). This is because the density of a compound increases as the number of halogen atoms increases. Halogens are heavier than hydrogen atoms, so the addition of halogen atoms to a compound increases its mass.

Water is the only compound in the list that does not contain any halogen atoms. As a result, it has the lowest density. The density of water is also affected by the presence of oxygen atoms. Oxygen atoms are lighter than chlorine atoms, so the addition of oxygen atoms to water decreases its density.

The order of densities of the chloromethanes and water can be summarized as follows:

• Halogens: The density of a compound increases as the number of halogen atoms increases.
• Oxygen: The density of a compound decreases as the number of oxygen atoms increases.