Question:

Lakes and ponds freeze at the top surface with water below. This phenomenon is due to

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Water is most dense at $4^\circ$C: - Cold water ($<4^\circ$C) floats - This is why lakes freeze from top, not bottom
Updated On: Apr 30, 2026
  • high pressure at their bottom
  • low pressure at their bottom
  • the maximum density of water at $4^\circ$C
  • the maximum density of water at $0^\circ$C
  • elevation of freezing point of water
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Concept: Water has maximum density at $4^\circ$C. This leads to an unusual behavior during cooling.

Step 1:
Understand cooling of water.
As water cools from higher temperatures to $4^\circ$C, its density increases and it sinks.

Step 2:
Behavior below $4^\circ$C.
When water cools below $4^\circ$C, it becomes less dense and rises to the surface.

Step 3:
Formation of ice.
Surface water reaches $0^\circ$C and freezes, while denser $4^\circ$C water remains below.
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