Moderate

Water has maximum density at:

Correct answer: D. 4 C

  • A. -4 C
  • B. - 1 C
  • C. 0 C
  • D. 4 C

Explanation

As density is inversely proportional to the volume, the density of water increases when the temperature is lowered. At 4 C, the water molecules are the closest to each other. Due to Hydrogen bonding and the presence of spaces in the crystal structure of ice, the density of water is lower at 0 C than at 4 C. Water follows this anomalous behaviour as cooling from 4 C to 0 C causes expansion and heating from 0 to 4 C causes contraction.

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About Anomalous Behaviour of Water

Water expands when cooled below 4°C and when it freezes, giving liquid water its maximum density at 4°C. The explanation depends on hydrogen bonding and the open structure of ice, which makes ice less dense than water and allows it to float.

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