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THERMAL EXPANSION OF MATTER

Matter expands when heated. This happens because particles gain kinetic energy and begin to
move away from each other resulting in an increase in the space between them. When matter is
cooled it contracts. Gases expand the most and solids expand the least (Gases contract the most
and solids contract the least.

Experiment to Demonstrate Expansion in Solids

There are various experiments to show expansion in solids. These include Ball and ring
apparatus, bimetallic strip etc.

Ball and ring apparatus

Before the ball is heated, it easily passes through the ring. But if the ball is heated it does not
pass through the ring. This is because the ball has expanded. If the ball is allowed to cool then it
will contract. This will allow it to pass through the ring again.

Bimetallic strips
A bimetallic strip is made of two different metals which are riveted together.

The two metals expand at different rates and as such when the strip is heated, it bends with the
most expansive metal on the outside.

Physics notes: THERMAL EXPANSION OF MATTER

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Study the diagrams (a) and (b) which show the bimetallic strip after cooling and heating
respectively. Which of the two metals expand the most?
Experiment to Demonstrate Expansion in liquids
A coloured liquid is poured into a test tube which is fitted with a glass tube as shown below.

Before heating, the level of the liquid is at level A. After heating the liquid level goes up to level
B. This indicates that the liquid has expanded and increased in size.

Experiment to Demonstrate Expansion in Gases

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When the flask is heated bubbles are observed in the water as shown above. This indicates that
the air inside has expanded and some of it is escaping through the glass tube to the outside. As
the air passes through the water it causes the observed bubbles.
Applications of Expansion
1. Thermostat
These are devices that maintain a steady (constant) temperature in an appliance.

The bimetallic strip in the thermostat bends to switch off the circuit if the temperature rises
above the set temperature and straightens to switch on the circuit if the temperature falls below
the set temperature. The diagram above shows the thermostat as used in an electric iron. Other
appliances that use a thermostat include air conditioners, electric oven, electric stove, e.t.c.
2. Fire alarm
It uses bimetallic strip as a switch.

When there is a fire in the house, the bimetallic strip bends to close the contacts thereby
switching on the circuit. This causes the bell to ring.
3. Shrink fitting:
The axle is cooled with liquid nitrogen (-198°c) so that it fits into the gap after contracting. It
makes a tight fit after returning to normal temperature.
4. Hot riveting: A rivet is hammered in while hot and it makes a tight fit on contracting
5. Measurement of Temperature.
Materials whose expansion is directly proportional to change in temperature can be used in
thermometers for temperature measurement. E.g. mercury and alcohol are used in a liquid in
glass thermometers.

Physics notes: THERMAL EXPANSION OF MATTER

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6. Hot air balloons

Air inside expands as it is heated. This causes a reduction in density of the air inside. Since the
density of air outside the balloon is higher, the balloon rises due to convection.
Consequences of Expansion
1. Railway line
The ends of the rails are tapered and made to overlap to avoid bulging during a hot day.
2. Electric cables
They are allowed to sag a bit so that in winter they do not become tight after contracting.

3. Bridges

One end is fixed and the other end rests on rollers. An expansion gap is created to give room for
expansion.

The Unusual Expansion of Water

When water is cooled, it contracts as expected until a temperature of 4oC is reached. Between
temperatures of 4oC and 0oC, the water expands while it is being cooled from 4oC to 0oC.

When the temperature of the water reaches 0oC, it expands even more as it freezes. See graph
above. This is the reason why water bottles burst as the water freezes.

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As a consequence of its unusual expansion at 4oC, water has a maximum density at that
temperature. This is why marine life can survive in a frozen pond( only the water at the top
freezes while the water at the bottom remains a liquid). Ice cubes float in water for the same
reason.

Physics notes: THERMAL EXPANSION OF MATTER