M.

Hayles
Ferncourt High School
Physics
States of matter & Expansion

OBJECTIVES:
distinguish among solids, liquids and gases
use the Kinetic theory to explain the different macroscopic properties of solids,
liquids and gases
explain observations of the effects of thermal expansion

STATES OF MATTER

Solids, liquids and gases are all composed of tiny atoms or molecules.
Solids
The attractive forces between the particles of a solid are strong, bringing them very
close together.
However, at even closer distances, these forces are repulsive.
The atoms or molecules therefore constantly vibrate about some mean (average)
position, while being bonded in a fixed lattice (type of structure).

Liquids
The forces between the particles of a liquid are weaker than in solids.
The molecules have more energy and the weaker forces are not enough to make the
bonds rigid.
They separate slightly more than in solids and are able to translate (move) relative to
each other.
M. Hayles
Ferncourt High School
Physics
States of matter & Expansion

Gases
Except at times of collision, the particles of a gas are far apart and the forces
between the particles are negligible.
They therefore translate freely, filling the container in which they are enclosed.

Physical properties of matter explained in terms of forces between particles

Solid Liquid Gas
Density High since the High since the Very low since the
particles are tightly particles are tightly particles are far
packed packed - almost as apart
close as in solids
Shape Fixed since there The bonds are not The forces between
are rigid bonds due rigid and therefore the particles only
to strong forces liquids take the exist at the time of
between the shape of their collision and
particles container. However, therefore gases
the forces between spread out to fill the
the particles still container which
cause liquids to encloses them
have a fixed volume
Ability to flow The rigid bonds The weaker forces The very weak
between particles between the forces between the
prevent solids from particles cannot particles cannot
flowing form rigid bonds form rigid bonds
and therefore liquids and therefore gases
can flow can flow
Ability to be Not easily Not easily Easy to compress
compressed compressed since compressed since since there is much
the particles are the particles are space between the
tightly packed, tightly packed, particles
making it difficult to making it difficult to
M. Hayles
Ferncourt High School
Physics
States of matter & Expansion
push them closer push them closer
Main motion of The particles vibrate The particles vibrate The particles
particles about a mean and translate, translate freely,
position, always constantly changing having neighbours
adjacent to the same neighbours only at the time of
set of particles collision

That one student: “Sir, put all a that inna English now”
Sir: In Summary:

Expansion
Expansion in terms of the kinetic Theory of Matter
Solids
When a solid is heated, the heat energy supplied converts into kinetic energy of its
particles (which we call thermal energy).
The molecules of the solid vibrate faster and with greater amplitude and therefore
occupy more space.

Liquids and gases

When a liquid or gas is heated, the heat energy supplied converts to kinetic energy of
its particles. The molecules of the liquid or gas translate faster and therefore occupy
more space
M. Hayles
Ferncourt High School
Physics
States of matter & Expansion
DEMONSTRATING EXPANSION
Solid: At room temperature, the ball can just fit through the hole. However, when the
ball is heated, this fit is no longer possible.

Liquid: The flask expands slightly when heated, causing the liquid level to drop
initially. With continued heating, however, the liquid expands up the tube. With a
narrow tube, the rise is very noticeable.
M. Hayles
Ferncourt High School
Physics
States of matter & Expansion

Gas: The air expands when heated, causing the balloon to swell up.

AVOIDING PROBLEMS DUE TO EXPANSION

Concrete surfaces are laid in slabs and the spaces between them are filled with pitch.
During expansion of the surface, the soft pitch is compressed, avoiding strong forces
in the concrete which would otherwise produce cracks.

Baking dishes which undergo large temperature differences are made of materials
that expand and contract very little with temperature change. This prevents them
from cracking when removed from the oven into the much cooler environment.

Other Phenomenon involving expansion

Roofs shrink at night as the temperature falls. Contraction of the wood causes the
joints to move relative to each other, producing a creaking sound.
A tight metal lid on a glass jar is easily removed by running hot water onto it. The lid
rapidly expands due to its high thermal conductivity, and becomes loose.
M. Hayles
Ferncourt High School
Physics
States of matter & Expansion
The bi-metallic strip

A bimetallic strip consists of two metal strips riveted together.

The strips bend on heating such that the metal that expands more is on the outer side
of the curve.
Brass expands much more than iron when heated and so this combination forms a
good bimetallic strip.
Brass will also contract more on cooling.

Simple Fire alarm

M. Hayles
Ferncourt High School
Physics
States of matter & Expansion

REVISION QUESTIONS
1. Describe solids, liquids and gases in terms of the separation and motion of their
particles, and the forces between those particles.

Solids liquids Gases

2. Explain the following properties of a LIQUID in terms of your description in question

3. Explain, in terms of the kinetic theory, why matter expands when heated

4. Describe how you can show that solids expand when heated.

5. State TWO problems associated with expansion and how they may be avoided

.
6. In your own words explain what will happen in the image below