Expansion

Question 1

Explain thermal expansion

Answer 1

The particles speed up and their vibrations take up more space, so the space between molecules increase.

Question 2

State an example where expansion is useful

Answer 2

In thermometers. The liquid in the bulb expands when the temperature rises.

Question 3

How does volume of a gas change with temperature (constant pressure)?

Answer 3

As the temperature rises, the volume of gas increases - the gas expands.

Question 4

How does pressure change with temperature (constant volume)?

Answer 4

As the temperature of the gas rises, so does the pressure. This is because the molecules move faster and the molecules hit the container at a greater force.

Question 5

What makes the difference between the different expansions of solids, liquids and gases?

Answer 5

The strength of attraction between the particles. In a solid, the attractions are very strong if the temperature rises and the particles move faster this has very little effect on their separation because they are so tightly held together. In a liquid, the attractions are weaker, so the expansion is greater. In a gas, the attractions are extremely weak so the expansion is much more

Question 6

Sate an example where expansion causes a problem

Answer 6

If expansion is not taken into consideration when building bridges or rail lines it may cause many problems