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Q37 (NDA-I/2021) Science & Technology › Basic Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) › Thermal physics Answer Verified

Which one of the following regarding density of water at atmospheric pressure is correct?

Result
Your answer:  ·  Correct: A
Explanation

The density of water is highly dependent on temperature due to its anomalous expansion properties. Unlike most substances that contract upon cooling, water reaches its maximum density at approximately 4°C (specifically 3.98°C). At this temperature, the density of pure water at standard atmospheric pressure is approximately 1000 kg/m³ (or 1 g/cm³) [1]. As water cools from 4°C down to 0°C, it begins to expand rather than contract, causing its density to decrease. This occurs because hydrogen bonds begin to form a more open, structured hexagonal lattice as it approaches the freezing point [1]. Consequently, ice at 0°C is less dense than liquid water at 4°C, which is why ice floats. Therefore, the statement that the density of water at 4°C is 1000 kg/m³ is scientifically accurate.

Sources

  1. [1] Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 2: The Solar System > 2.3. The Sun > p. 23
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