Question

Equal volumes of three different liquids were taken in three identical airtight containers as shown in the figure.

Assuming that the liquids are at $4{}^{\circ }\text{C}$ and there is no extra space in the container, which of the liquids is safe to cool down further without any deformation in the container's shape?

• A. (a) and (b) above.
• B. Mercury
• C. Kerosene
• D. Water

Answer 1

The correct option is A (a) and (b) above.

Water exhibits an abnormal behaviour in the temperature range from $4{}^{\circ }\text{C}$ to $0{}^{\circ }\text{C}$.
The density of liquids, when cooled down increases in general.
Water is an exception. The density of water decreases as the temperature decreases in the specified range of temperature.
Other substances that exhibit anomalous expansion are: bismuth, gallium, silicon, and antimony.

Hence, if the water container is cooled down, it would slightly bulge due to the increase in volume of water inside the container.