At which temperature does liquid water show maximum density ?
299 K
277 K
285 K
373 K
Answer is Wrong!
Answer is Right!
This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-2 – 2024
– As liquid water cools from higher temperatures, its density increases until it reaches a maximum density at approximately 4°C (3.98°C to be precise).
– Below 4°C, the density of liquid water starts to decrease as it approaches its freezing point (0°C). When it freezes to form ice at 0°C, its density decreases significantly, which is why ice floats on water.
– This anomalous expansion of water is crucial for aquatic life in cold climates, as the densest water (at 4°C) sinks to the bottom of lakes, allowing life to survive below the surface ice.