💧 Water Density Anomaly Lab

Investigate water's famous thermodynamic density anomaly ($\rho_{max}$ at $3.98^\circ\text{C}$). Explore negative thermal expansion, the $+9\%$ ice phase transition volume expansion, and ecological lake winter stratification.

Water Temperature ($T$) °C

Sample Volume ($V$) Liters (L)

Phase State

Density vs Temperature Curve

Winter Lake Thermal Layering

Water Density ($\rho$)

999.97 kg/m³

100.0% of Maximum

Thermal Expansion ($\beta$)

0.00 × 10⁻⁶ /°C

ZERO (Maximum Density)

Specific Volume ($v$)

1.00003 cm³/g

Mass: 999.97 kg

Freezing Vol. Expansion

+9.08% Volume

Ice Ih: 916.7 kg/m³

Molecular Anomaly: Below 3.98°C, tetrahedral hydrogen bonding forces water molecules into an open, cavernous cage-like lattice. As water cools toward 0°C, it expands, becoming lighter. Thus, ice floats on top, insulating aquatic life in the 4°C water settled at the bottom of frozen lakes!