Density Of Water – Everything You Need To Know!

The density of water is defined as the weight of water (in grams) per unit volume (in milliliter) and it relies on its temperature. The value that we usually use in mathematical calculations is 1 gram per milliliter (1 g/ml) which is also known as the fluid density of water. The common unit of density of water is 1 gram per cubic centimeter (1 g/cm³).

The density of 100% pure water is actually less than 1 g/cm³. Plus, you can supercool water; it will still remain a liquid even though it is way below its freezing point.

Density Of Water By Temperature And Weight

As mentioned before, the density of water can change with temperature. So, here’s a handy table for you that tells you the density of water pounds per cubic foot or density of water in pounds along with others:

What Factors Affect The Density Of Water?

• Water’s density is dependent on temperature. This relation is unimodal and non-linear in nature.
• Normally, when you cool a liquid from room temperature, it becomes denser, but with pure water, it reaches its maximum density when it is approximately at 4°C.
• If you cool it down, even more, it expands and becomes less dense. The reason for this unusual negative thermal expansion is because of orientation-dependent, and strong, intermolecular forces, and they’re usually seen in molten silica.

Does ice from Heavy Water sink or float?

Ice of heavy water sinks in water owing to its higher density because deuterium atoms replace hydrogen items in heavy water. Deuterium is an isotope of hydrogen in which there is one electron, one proton, and one neutron. When a neutron is added to an atom of hydrogen, it makes deuterium 10.6% denser than your normal water. Therefore, heavy ice sinks in normal water and floats in heavy water.

How To Calculate The Density Of A Liquid?

The simplest way to find the density of a liquid is with a hydrometer. A hydrometer has a weighted bulb and a cylindrical stem with lines on it that represent how far the weighted bulb sinks in the liquid. The lower it sinks, the lower is the density, the higher it floats, the higher the density. The lines are calibrated by using the hydrometer in a standard liquid with known density (usually water with a specific gravity of 1.000 at 4°C).

Or you can use the volume and mass:

1. Find the weight of a graduated beaker.
2. Pour liquid in it and measure the volume.
3. Find the weight of glassware with liquid.
4. Calculate the mass of liquid and subtract the weight of glass from it.
5. Find out the density by dividing the mass of that liquid by volume.
6. Make sure to use the units of volume and mass correctly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Density Of Water

1. Why does water have its maximum density at 4°C?

The reason why water is at its maximum density at 4°C is that at 4°C both opposing effects are in balance.

2. What is the density of normal water at room temperature?

The density of normal water is 22° C at room temperature and it is 997.77 in kg/m3.

3. What is the reason for ice floating in water?

As we already know, water is at its maximum density at 4°C. When compared to water, ice has a lower density which is the reason why it floats. When it freezes its density decreases by about 9%.

4. Why water doesn’t have an absolute density?

The reason why water does not possess an absolute density is because water’s density changes with temperature.

And there you have everything you need to know about the density of water, the factors affecting it, and how to calculate it. Best of luck!