Substances expand with increasing temperature and contract with decreasing temperature. dr. Christophe Vande Velde replied on 07/05/2008 to Jean who asked why water expands before it turns into ice, that “water is one of those exceptions” that does not meet initial expectations. In other words, are there any of those substances left? Which ? And if so, does that behavior also have to do with a structure such as a hydrogen bond?
My 14-year-old daughter (3rd grade science department) asked me this, but I couldn’t answer.
Answer
Hi Peter,
As far as I know there is one other substance that also expands on cooling, and that is the metal Gallium. This metal is also unusual in that it has a melting point of only 29 °C, so it melts in the hand.
I am not aware of any molecular substances (other than water) that expand upon cooling or freezing.
Answered by
Dr. Etienne Jooken
Chemistry
Old Market 13 3000 Leuven
https://www.kuleuven.be/
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