Maximum density
Themaximum densityof asubstanceis the highest attainabledensityof the substance under given conditions.
Attaining maximum density
[edit]Almost all known substances undergothermal expansionin response to heating, meaning that a given mass of substance contracts to a low volume at lowtemperatures,when littlethermal energyis present. Substances, especiallyfluidsin whichintermolecular forcesare weak, also undergocompressionupon the application ofpressure.Nearly all substances therefore reach a density maximum at very low temperatures and very high pressures, characteristic properties of thesolidstateofmatter.
Water
[edit]An especially notable irregular maximum density is that ofwater,which reaches a density peak at 4 °C (39 °F). This has important ramifications in Earth'secosystem.[1]
References
[edit]- ^Ruth M. Lynden-Bell; Simon Conway Morris; John D. Barrow; John L. Finney; Charles Harper (21 May 2010).Water and Life: The Unique Properties of H2O.CRC Press. pp. 78–.ISBN978-1-4398-0357-8.
See also
[edit]- List of elements by density
- Density
- Specific Gravity
- Specific weight
- Charge density
- Buoyancy
- Hydrometer
 | Thisphysical chemistry-related article is astub.You can help Wikipedia byexpanding it. |