At atmospheric pressure, the density of water is maximum at a temperat

At atmospheric pressure, the density of water is maximum at a temperature of:

[amp_mcq option1=”0 °C” option2=”4 °C” option3=”-4 °C” option4=”1 °C” correct=”option2″]

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UPSC Geoscientist – 2020

At atmospheric pressure, the density of water is maximum at a temperature of 4 °C. This is due to the anomalous expansion of water. As water is heated from 0 °C to 4 °C, it contracts (density increases), unlike most substances which expand upon heating. Above 4 °C, water expands normally upon heating (density decreases). Conversely, when water is cooled from higher temperatures, its density increases until it reaches a maximum at 4 °C, and then decreases as it is cooled from 4 °C to 0 °C (it expands upon freezing at 0 °C).

Water exhibits anomalous expansion, reaching its maximum density at 4 °C.

This peculiar property of water is crucial for aquatic life in cold climates, as the densest water (at 4 °C) settles at the bottom of lakes and ponds, preventing them from freezing solid from top to bottom and allowing aquatic organisms to survive through the winter.

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