The maximum density of a substance is the highest attainable density of the substance under given conditions.
Attaining maximum density
Almost all known substances undergo thermal expansion in response to heating, meaning that a given mass of substance contracts to a low volume at low
, when little
thermal energy is present. Substances, especially
in which intermolecular forces are weak, also undergo compression upon the application of
pressure. Nearly all substances therefore reach a density maximum at very low temperatures and very high pressures, characteristic properties of the
solid state of
matter.
Water
An especially notable irregular maximum density is that of
water, which reaches a density peak at . This has important ramifications in Earth's
ecosystem.
See also
