Thermal Expansion Notes
Instructions:
Explore the following simulations to learn how particle motion changes with temperature.
Click on the link. Chapter 1: Lesson 1: Multimedia: www.middleschoolchemistry.com/multimedia/chapter1/lesson1
1.
In the “ Particles of a Liquid” simulation, zoom in on the liquid. Each little sphere represents _______________________. Describe your observations:
2.
Click the arrow on the right to continue to the “
Water Molecules
” illustration. Draw an example of one molecule in motion in the box .
Click on the link. Chapter 1: Lesson 2: Multimedia: www.middleschoolchemistry.com/multimedia/chapter1/lesson2
3.
Slide the bar back and forth in the “
Heating and Cooling a Liquid
” simulation to observe changes in the liquid.
4.
Next, click the arrow on the right to continue to the “ Water Molecules at Different
Temperatures”
illustration. Using that illustration as an example, use the models of particle motion at three different temperatures in the boxes below. (Click on the particle. Ctrl+C to copy,
Ctrl+V to paste).
Cold Water Room-Temperature Water Hot Water
Chapter 1: Lesson 3: Multimedia: www.middleschoolchemistry.com/multimedia/chapter1/lesson3
5.
Observe changes in particle motion with changes in temperature in the “
Heating and
Cooling a Thermometer”
simulation. Then click on the arrow on the right to continue to the
“Molecules in a Thermometer”
illustration.
6.
Apply what you have learned about molecular motion to explain how your thermometer responded to changes in temperature. You must include the following words in your explanation: molecules , motion , distance , and speed .
Click on the link. Chapter 1: Lesson 4: Multimedia: www.middleschoolchemistry.com/multimedia/chapter1/lesson4
7.
Explore the resources: a.
Zoom in on the object in the “
Particles of a Solid
” simulation and observe the movement of particles in a solid object. b.
Click on the arrow on the right to continue to the “ Comparing Solid and Liquid” simulation. c.
Click on the arrow to continue and watch the
“Heating and Cooling a Metal Ball”
video clip. d.
Click on the arrow to continue to the “ Heating and Cooling a Solid” simulation. Observe changes in molecular motion with changes in temperature. e.
Click on the arrow to continue to the
“Molecules in a Room Temperature and Hot Metal
Ball ” illustration.

8.
How does the movement of particles in a solid object compare to the movement of particles in a liquid? Explain, based on your observations in the simulations:
9.
Using what you have learned about particle motion, explain why the room-temperature ball fit through the ring, but the heated ball did not.
10.
Suppose the ring is heated, but the ball remains at room temperature. Use the models below to make a particle motion diagram for the ring before and after it is heated. (Click on the particle.
Ctrl+C to copy, Ctrl+V to paste):
Room-temperature Ring Hot Ring
11.
Why do you think the room-temperature ball passes easily through the heated ring? Explain: