Anomalous Expansion of Water

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 127 views

Introduction

Water is a vital component of our planet, and its properties have been extensively studied in various fields of science. In this article, we will explore the characteristics of a sample of pure water that has been boiled and then cooled to room temperature. We will examine four statements about this sample and determine which one is true.

Statement A: Large bodies of it look blue from reflecting the sky color

Reflection of Light: When light from the sky enters a body of water, it is refracted, or bent, due to the difference in the refractive indices of air and water. This phenomenon is known as the Tyndall effect.
Scattering of Light: The shorter wavelengths of light, such as blue and violet, are scattered more than the longer wavelengths, such as red and orange. This is known as Rayleigh scattering.
Appearance of Blue Color: As a result of the scattering of light, large bodies of water often appear blue, especially when viewed from a distance. This is because the blue light is scattered in all directions, giving the water a blue appearance.

However, the statement that large bodies of boiled and cooled water look blue from reflecting the sky color is not entirely accurate. While it is true that large bodies of water can appear blue due to the scattering of light, this is not a direct result of the water reflecting the sky color. Instead, it is a result of the scattering of light by the water molecules themselves.

Statement B: It is a good conductor of electricity

Conductivity of Water: Pure water is a poor conductor of electricity, as it does not contain any ions that can carry electrical charge. However, when water is contaminated with impurities such as salts, acids, or bases, it becomes a good conductor of electricity.
Boiling and Cooling: Boiling and cooling water does not affect its conductivity. The process of boiling and cooling water does not introduce any ions into the water, so its conductivity remains the same.

Therefore, statement B is false. Boiled and cooled water is not a good conductor of electricity.

Statement C: It is less dense than ice

Density of Water: The density of water is approximately 1 gram per milliliter (g/mL) at room temperature and atmospheric pressure.
Density of Ice: The density of ice is approximately 0.92 g/mL at 0°C (32°F) and atmospheric pressure.
Anomalous Expansion of Water: Water is one of the few substances that expands when it freezes, resulting in a decrease in density. This is known as the anomalous expansion of water.

Therefore, statement C is true. Boiled and cooled water is less dense than ice.

Statement D: None of the above

Conclusion: Based on the analysis of the four statements, we have found that statement C is true. Boiled and cooled water is less dense than ice.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we have examined four statements about a sample of pure water that has been boiled and then cooled to room temperature. We have found that statement C is true, while statements A and B are false. Statement D is also false, as we have found that statement C is true.

References

Tyndall, J. (1869). On the Blue Colour of the Sky, and the Rarefaction of the Air at Great Heights. Philosophical Magazine, 37(4), 384-394.
Rayleigh, L. (1871). On the Light from the Sky, Its Polarization and Colour. Philosophical Magazine, 41(4), 447-454.
Hobbs, P. V. (1974). Ice Physics. Oxford University Press.
Silbey, R. J., Albright, T. A., & Burjewski, M. (2005). Chemistry: An Atoms First Approach. McGraw-Hill.
Frequently Asked Questions about Boiled and Cooled Water ===========================================================

Q: What happens to the density of water when it is boiled and then cooled to room temperature?

A: The density of water remains the same when it is boiled and then cooled to room temperature. However, it is worth noting that the density of water is affected by temperature and pressure. At higher temperatures, the density of water decreases, and at lower temperatures, the density increases.

Q: Is boiled and cooled water a good conductor of electricity?

A: No, boiled and cooled water is not a good conductor of electricity. Pure water is a poor conductor of electricity, and boiling and cooling it does not introduce any ions that can carry electrical charge.

Q: Why does boiled and cooled water appear blue?

A: Boiled and cooled water appears blue due to the scattering of light by the water molecules themselves. This is known as the Tyndall effect. The shorter wavelengths of light, such as blue and violet, are scattered more than the longer wavelengths, such as red and orange.

Q: Is it true that large bodies of boiled and cooled water look blue from reflecting the sky color?

A: No, it is not entirely accurate to say that large bodies of boiled and cooled water look blue from reflecting the sky color. While it is true that large bodies of water can appear blue due to the scattering of light, this is not a direct result of the water reflecting the sky color. Instead, it is a result of the scattering of light by the water molecules themselves.

Q: What is the anomalous expansion of water?

A: The anomalous expansion of water is the phenomenon where water expands when it freezes, resulting in a decrease in density. This is one of the few substances that exhibit this property.

Q: Is boiled and cooled water less dense than ice?

A: Yes, boiled and cooled water is less dense than ice. This is due to the anomalous expansion of water, where water expands when it freezes, resulting in a decrease in density.

Q: Can I use boiled and cooled water as a conductor in an electrical circuit?

A: No, you should not use boiled and cooled water as a conductor in an electrical circuit. While it is not a good conductor of electricity, it can still conduct electricity under certain conditions, such as when it is contaminated with impurities. However, it is not a reliable or safe conductor for electrical circuits.

Q: What are some common applications of boiled and cooled water?

A: Boiled and cooled water is commonly used in various applications, such as:

Drinking water
Cooking and food preparation
Laboratory experiments
Industrial processes

Q: Can I store boiled and cooled water for an extended period?

A: Yes, you can store boiled and cooled water for an extended period, but it is essential to follow proper storage and handling procedures to prevent contamination and spoilage.

Q: What are some safety precautions I should take when handling boiled and cooled water?

A: When handling boiled and cooled water, it is essential to follow proper safety precautions, such as:

Using clean and sanitized equipment
Avoiding contamination with bacteria, viruses, or other microorganisms
Storing the water in a clean and airtight container
Following proper handling and disposal procedures

Conclusion

In conclusion, boiled and cooled water has several unique properties that make it an interesting substance to study. By understanding its properties and behavior, we can better appreciate the complexities of water and its role in our daily lives.