Question

Water is heated from 0°C to 10°C. How does the density of water change with temperature?

• A. On heating from 0⁰C to 10⁰C, the density of water increases.
• B. On heating from 0⁰C, the density of water decreases upto 4⁰C and then increases beyond 4⁰C.
• C. On heating from 0⁰C, the density of water increases up to 4⁰C and then decreases beyond 4⁰C.
• D. On heating from 0⁰C to 10⁰C, the density of water decreases.

Answer 1

The correct option is C

On heating from 0°C, the density of water increases up to 4°C and then decreases beyond 4°C. Water shows an anomalous behaviour. On heating from 0°C, the density of water increases up to 4°C and then decreases beyond 4°C.

The general tendency of cold water remains unchanged until 4^oC. The density of water gradually increases as you cool it. When you reach 4^oC, its density reaches a maximum. What water does next will astound you. When you cool it further to make some ice, i.e. 0^oC, water expands with a further drop in temperature, meaning the density of water decreases when you cool it from 4^oC to 0^oC.

Related questions:

• What is an anomalous expansion of water? What are its effects?
• What is the density of water?