At what temperature do suspended particles have the lowest settling velocity?

Suspended particles have the lowest settling velocity at 0 degrees C due to the increased viscosity of water at lower temperatures. As temperature decreases, the kinetic energy of the water molecules also decreases, which leads to higher viscosity. This increased viscosity makes it more difficult for suspended particles to settle, resulting in a slower settling velocity. The interactions between particles and the water molecules are less dynamic at lower temperatures, contributing to this behavior.

In contrast, higher temperatures, such as 50 degrees C and 100 degrees C, reduce the viscosity and allow particles to settle more quickly. Warmer water allows particles to move more freely, resulting in higher settling velocities. At -10 degrees C, while water is still impacted by temperature, it becomes ice, effectively preventing particles from settling in the same manner as they would in liquid water. This highlights the significant impact temperature has on the physical properties of water and, consequently, the behavior of suspended particles within it.