Chemistry Liquids PMC 2021
PMDC Verified Question 52 of 73
At \( 0^\circ\text{C} \), what is the physical state of water?
A
Ice
B
Liquid
C
Vapour
D
Both ice and liquid
Tap any option to test your recall and reveal the step-by-step Propolis autopsy.

Propolis Cognitive Error Autopsy

Official Correct Choice:
Option D: Both ice and liquid
Concept:

The freezing/melting point of a substance is the temperature at which its solid and liquid phases exist in dynamic equilibrium.

Formula:

$$ \text{H}_2\text{O}_{(s)} \rightleftharpoons \text{H}_2\text{O}_{(l)} $$

Solution:

  • At exactly \( 0^\circ\text{C} \) (standard pressure), pure water reaches its freezing point.


  • At this exact temperature threshold, heat added will melt the ice, and heat removed will freeze the water, but the temperature will remain \( 0^\circ\text{C} \) during the phase change.


  • Because both phases are undergoing dynamic interchange, water will exist in both solid (ice) and liquid forms simultaneously.


Why other options are incorrect:

Choosing only "Ice" or only "Liquid" ignores the principles of phase equilibrium during a transition state.

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