Answer:
The density of water is highest at around 4°C, where it has a density of approximately 0.9960 g/mL.
Step-by-step explanation:
At 4°C, water reaches its maximum density due to the unique behavior of water molecules at this temperature. As water cools, its molecules start to lose energy and move more slowly, causing the molecules to become more closely packed. This increased molecular packing results in a higher density of the water. At higher temperatures, water molecules move more rapidly and therefore occupy more space, causing the water to have a lower density. Conversely, as water freezes and solidifies into ice, the molecules form a more open crystalline structure, causing the solid to have a lower density than liquid water. That's why ice floats on liquid water.