1. Expansion and Contraction

2. Key Points to Remember….
As the temperature of a solid, liquid or gas increases,the average distance between the atoms/molecules of the substance typically increases, causing the substance to expand.
As the temperature of a solid, liquid or gas decreases, the average distance between the atoms/molecules typically decreases, causing the substance to contract.
Heat expansion or contraction can happen to solids, liquids, and gases.
Expansion or contraction due to changes in temperature is not permanent (e.g., objects that expand when heated can also contract when cooled).
The number of atoms and the mass of the atoms DOES NOT CHANGE with changes in temperature. ONLY THE SPACING BETWEEN PARTICLES CHANGES.
Different types of solids, liquids or gases expand and contract differently. For example solid metals that are made of pure elements like copper and aluminum are better at absorbing heat than alloy metals like brass. Gold is probably the best heat conductor, but it is so expensive that we don’t use it much.
Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc. An alloy is a metal made from combining two or more metallic elements.
How fast metals conduct heat depends a lot on things like how many free electrons are around, on how fast they move, and especially on how far they usually go before they bump into something and change direction. So now I'll get a little closer to answering your question. The biggest factor giving different conductivities for ordinary metals is the difference in how far the electrons go before they hit something.

3. Expansion and Contraction of Matter in General
As the average energy (temperature) of particles increase, the space between the particles increase. Matter in the solid liquid and gas phase EXPANDS!
As the average energy (temperature) of particles decrease, the space between the particles decrease. Matter in the solid liquid and gas phase CONTRACTS!

4. Expansion and Contraction in Solids
Solids can EXPAND or CONTRACT depending on the temperature (average energy of the particles).
For Example
Metal Loop and Ball Demonstration
Does the ball fit in the loop when the loop and ball are cool?
Will the ball fit in the loop when the loop is heated? Why or Why Not?

5. Expansion and Contraction in Liquids
Liquids can EXPAND or CONTRACT depending on the temperature (average energy of the particles).
This is demonstrated by the liquid used in a thermometer. As the liquid expands and contracts, it moves up and down the inside tubing ( the bore ) of the thermometer. Numbers are placed alongside the glass tube that mark the temperature when the line is at that point.
This liquid is sometimes colored alcohol but can
also be a metallic liquid called mercury.
Both mercury and alcohol grow bigger
when heated and smaller when cooled.

6. Galileo thermometer
A Galileo thermometer (or Galilean thermometer) is a thermometer made of a sealed glass cylinder containing a clearliquid and several glass vessels of varying densities. As temperature changes, the individual floats rise or fall in proportion to their respective density.
The clear liquid in which the bulbs are submerged is not water, but some organic compound (such as ethanol) the density of which varies with temperature more than does water’s. This change of density of the outer clear liquid, with temperature change, causes the bulbs to rise or sink.

7. Galileo Barometer
When a low-pressure weather system approaches, the weight of the air pressing on the open end of the spout decreases, allowing the water level to rise. Conversely, when a high-pressure system moves in, it will push the water level down. A scale can be printed on the spout corresponding to the inches of mercury, normally between 28 and 32 inches.

8. Expansion and Contraction in Gases
Gasses can EXPAND or CONTRACT depending on the temperature (average energy of the particles).
What does Charles Gas Law say?
(see book page 36)
Under extremely high temperature conditions (like the temperatures inside the Sun, particles can be split into what makes them up (electrons and quarks etc). This creates a fourth state of matter called plasma.

9. Does volume or mass change when something is heated or cooled?
Volume Mass
Before Heating Volume cm
After Heating
Volume cm
Balloon Only
Balloon Tape
Balloon, Tape and Air
Air Only
2.16 g
.01 g
2.31 g
.14 g

10. What do the particles of Matter do When Heated?

11. Examples of Expansion/Contraction in a Solid, Liquid and Gas

12. Steel Bridges
Have expansion joints.

13. Bridge Expansion Joint Example

16. Railroad Tracks
Have gaps at each joint.

17. Railroad Rails

18. Concrete roads
Have expansion joints built in.

19. Concrete Roads

20. Concrete Roads

21. Sidewalks
Sidewalks are built with expansion joints to try and avoid the cracking that may occur.
Sometimes a sidewalk will develop a crack even with expansion joints. Do you know what happens to the size of the cracks in the winter and summer?

22. Sidewalks

23. Cars
Cars have engines with many working parts. The parts are engineered to be a little loose when cold so that when the engine becomes warm the parts do not expand to be to tight.

24. Study the chart and summarize in your own words it’s meaning.
Quick Review

25. Engineering Disasters
Tacoma Narrows Bridge

26. Quiz! Summary Sentences.
1. When matter is heated the particle’s speed _________ and the spacing_________.
2. When matter is cooled the particle’s speed _________ and the spacing _________.