Water exhibits an anomalous behavior between 0°C and 4°C. Which of the following statements correctl

JAMB Physics 2023 333 views
Source: JAMB · 2023

Water exhibits an anomalous behavior between 0°C and 4°C. Which of the following statements correctly describes this behavior?

  1. The density of water decreases as the temperature increases.
  2. The density of water increases as the temperature increases.
  3. The density of water reaches a maximum at 4°C and then decreases. ✓
  4. The density of water reaches a minimum at 4°C and then increases.
Explanation

Most liquids get denser as they cool. Water does not do this near freezing. From 0 °C to 4 °C it contracts when heated.

So its density is highest at 4 °C and decreases above that. This lets fish survive under ice, since the 4 °C water sinks to the bottom.

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