The Actual Reason Why Matter Expands When Heated - Thermal Expansion

The video explains why most matter expands when heated, focusing on the behavior of atoms and molecules. It introduces the concept of temperature as a measure of molecular motion and describes how heating a substance leads to thermal expansion. The video uses a spring model to illustrate atomic forces, clarifying that increased amplitude is not the cause of expansion. Instead, it highlights the asymmetry in atomic forces, where more energy is required to compress than to stretch, leading to expansion. The Morse potential is used to explain these concepts further, showing how potential and kinetic energy interact during compression and stretching.

How does the Morse potential illustrate the energy differences in compressing and stretching atomic forces?

What is the significance of the equilibrium position in relation to kinetic and potential energy?