Question

Differentiate between thermal expansion in solids and gases.

Answer 1

The differences between thermal expansion in solids and gases are as follows:

Thermal expansion in solids	Thermal expansion in gases
1. Thermal expansion is less in solids due to closely packed arrangement.	1. Thermal expansion is more in solids due to a less closely packed arrangement.
2. All three expansions i.e. linear, superficial, and volume are possible in solids.	2. Gases can have only volume thermal expansion as they don't have any fixed length or size.
3. Opening a metal lid, and fire alarms make use of thermal expansion in solids.	3. Hot air balloons and soda bottles made of thick glasses are examples of thermal expansion in gases.