Question

Observe the following graph. Considering the change in volume of water as its temperature is raised from 0°C, discuss the difference in the behaviour of water and other substances. What is this behaviour of water called?

Answer 1

The majority of substances reduce when cooled and expand when heated. On the other hand, it is obvious from the graph that water displays a unique and unusual behavior between 0 and 4 degrees Celsius. Between 0°C and 4°C, water minimizes rather than expands. It shows the typical expansion characteristic seen in other compounds after 4°C. Water therefore has its maximum density and minimum volume at 4°C. Water that displays this behavior between 0°C and 4°C is referred to as anomalous water behavior.