Expansion and Contraction of Matter

Front

What happens to a nearly empty plastic bottle when taken from a warm room and put into the freezer?

Back

It will be crushed due to the contraction of air inside the bottle as it cools.

Front

What energy causes an object to expand or contract?

Back

Heat energy.

Front

What happens to an inflated balloon when put inside a basin full of ice?

Back

It will contract due to the decrease in temperature.

Front

Why do train tracks have small gaps between them?

Back

To allow the tracks to expand without causing damage due to heat.

Front

Why is mercury used in thermometers?

Back

Because it is very sensitive to temperature changes.

Front

Define expansion in the context of matter.

Back

Expansion is the increase in volume of a substance when it is heated.

Front

Define contraction in the context of matter.

Back

Contraction is the decrease in volume of a substance when it is cooled.

Front

What is kinetic energy?

Back

Kinetic energy is the energy of motion, which can affect the movement of particles in matter.

Front

How does temperature affect the movement of particles in a substance?

Back

Higher temperatures increase particle movement, leading to expansion, while lower temperatures decrease movement, leading to contraction.

Front

What is thermal expansion?

Back

Thermal expansion is the tendency of matter to change in volume in response to a change in temperature.