How does temperature affect density?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the relationship between temperature and density, highlighting that when an object is heated, it typically expands, resulting in increased volume and decreased density, as density is defined as mass divided by volume. In cases where volume is constrained, such as gas in a metal tank, temperature changes do not affect density but may influence pressure. Additionally, the discussion notes that water expands upon freezing, leading to a decrease in density, which explains the buoyancy of ice.

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How does temperature affect density?
 
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When an object heats up, it expands (usually). The expansion makes the volume increase. Since the mass doesn't change and the volume increases, the density, which is mass/volume, decreases.
 
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If the volume is constrained (eg gas in a metal tank) changing the temperature doesn't alter density (but it might change the pressure).

When water freezes it actually expands slightly and the density goes down not up as you would expect...this explains why ice floats.
 

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