Question

Thermal expansion is the highest in which state of matter- solids, liquids, or gases?

Answer 1

Thermal Expansion

1. The expansion produced in matter due to the absorption of heat energy and rise in temperature is called thermal expansion.
2. When a substance is heated, the kinetic energy of its molecules increases. Thus, the molecules begin vibrating or moving more and usually maintain a greater average separation.
3. The relative expansion divided by the change in temperature is called the material's coefficient of thermal expansion and generally varies with temperature.

Thermal Expansion & States of matter.

1. Thermal expansion is the highest in gases.
2. Gases expand much more than liquids and solids.
3. The greater the attraction between the molecules, the smaller the expansion will be.
4. Because inter-molecular forces of attraction are less in gases, more in liquid, and much more in solid.
5. Like liquids, gases do not have a definite shape, so they also have only cubical expansion.

Thus, the thermal expansion is highest in gases, then liquids, then solids.