- #1
rppearso
- 204
- 3
Why is it that the ice density vs temperature plot is non linear, it appears there is a bit of an inflection at T=-20C, does anyone know why this is?
The density of H2O ice decreases as temperature decreases. This is because as the temperature decreases, the molecules in the ice move less and become more tightly packed, resulting in a higher density.
The density of H2O ice follows a specific trend as temperature changes. It increases as the temperature decreases until it reaches its maximum density at 4°C. After 4°C, the density starts to decrease again as the temperature continues to decrease.
The maximum density point for H2O ice, which occurs at 4°C, is significant because it means that ice is less dense than liquid water. This is why ice floats on top of water, which is essential for the survival of aquatic life during winter.
The density of H2O ice is typically measured by placing a sample of ice in a known volume of water and measuring the change in volume. The density can then be calculated using the mass of the ice and the change in volume of the water.
This phenomenon is known as the anomalous expansion of water. As the temperature continues to decrease after the maximum density point, the molecules in the ice start to form a hexagonal lattice structure, which creates larger spaces between the molecules and decreases the overall density of the ice.