Question
Illustrate with a diagram the variation of density of water with temperature. How this unique pattern is useful?
Answer
The density of water exhibits a unique pattern. As the temperature decreases from its maximum density at around 4°C, the density of water increases. However, as water approaches its freezing point (0°C), its density starts to decrease, causing ice to be less dense than liquid water.
This pattern is useful because it allows ice to float on the surface of water bodies, such as lakes and oceans. When water freezes, the less dense ice forms on the top, acting as an insulating layer that helps protect the underlying water from freezing completely. This enables aquatic life to survive during cold seasons, as the ice layer acts as a barrier to extreme temperature changes and provides a habitat for organisms beneath it.
