Thermal Expansion and Related Concepts

These flashcards cover the main concepts related to thermal expansion and its effects on different states of matter, as well as definitions of important related terms.

Thermal Expansion

The increase in volume of materials (solids, liquids, gases) when heated due to particles gaining energy and moving apart.

Absolute Zero

The theoretical temperature at which particles have no kinetic energy, equivalent to 0 K or -273 °C.

Kinetic Energy

The energy that particles have due to their motion, which increases with temperature.

Bimetallic Strip

A device made of two metals that expand at different rates when heated, commonly used in thermostats and fire alarms.

Expansion Joints

Metal joints in structures, such as bridges, designed to absorb the expansion and contraction of materials.

Evaporation

The process by which the most energetic molecules escape from a liquid's surface, resulting in a decrease in average kinetic energy of the remaining liquid.

Condensation

The process by which a gas changes into a liquid, involving the slowing down of particles and the formation of bonds.

Factors Affecting Evaporation

Temperature, air current, surface area, and humidity influence the rate of evaporation.

Differences Between Boiling and Evaporation

Evaporation occurs at any temperature and only at the surface of the liquid; boiling occurs at a specific temperature and throughout the liquid, forming bubbles.

Fixed Points of Temperature

The lower fixed point is 0 °C (melting point of ice) and the upper fixed point is 100 °C (boiling point of water).