Understanding Thermal Expansion

What happens to metals when they are continuously rubbed against a surface?

• They break

• They shrink

• They change shape

• They become smoother

What is thermal expansion?

• Freezing of a body when cooled

• Expansion of a body when heated

• None of the above

• Shrinking of a body in cold

Why does a solid expand when heated?

• Molecules freeze

• Molecules vibrate and take up more space

• Molecules dissolve

• Molecules stop moving

What is a common method to open a tight jar lid?

• Freeze the jar

• Heat the lid under hot water

• Shake the jar

• Use a knife

Which state of matter expands the least when heated?

• Liquids

• Solids

• All expand equally

• Gases

Why do liquids expand more than solids when heated?

• Liquid particles are more tightly bound

• Liquids are always hotter

• Liquid particles move less

• Liquid particles are usually less tightly bound

What is an example of thermal expansion in liquids?

• Breaking of glass

• Expansion of mercury in a thermometer

• Freezing water

• Evaporation of water

Why do gases expand the most when heated?

• Gas particles are far apart and weakly attracted to each other

• Gas particles are strongly attracted to each other

• Gases do not expand

• Gas particles are closest together

What real-life issue is caused by thermal expansion in gases during summer?

• Increased gas mileage

• Overheating of the engine

• Decreased gas mileage

• Misreading of the fuel gauge

What should you be cautious of in summer due to thermal expansion?

• Increased air conditioning efficiency

• Running out of gas

• Faster melting of ice

• Water boiling faster