Does the Relative density of water change based on the state it is in

Question

Will Relative density of water change based on the state it is in? Ie solid, liquid, gas.

What causes this change(if any) in Rd?

You should be aware that use of "relative density" is much less common than "specific gravity" for describing this concept.
@dmckee: The Wiki articles states that the use of relative density is preferred :)
See en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Properties_of_water for info on the density of water and ice. The density of steam is pressure and temperature dependant.
@Bernhard: It might be "preferred", but the actual use on the ground is driven by history and habit.
This was a more brief way of saying is the specific gravity of solid(frozen) water relative to the specific gravity of liquid water different.

Martin Beckett · Accepted Answer · 2012-05-31 21:09:17Z

Yes the density of water changes with temperature in a non-linear way (which is important if you want life on your planet).

It has a maximum density at 4deg C and is unusual in that it expands (lower density) as a solid - see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_(properties)#Density_of_water_and_ice

As a gas it's density varies with temperature and pressure like any other gas.

1 Answer