answersLogoWhite

0

Temperature of a material is a measure of the motion of the molecules in it. The more the molecules jitter around and collide randomly, the higher the temperature, and vice versa.

More motion of the molecules makes the material expand a bit, less motion makes it contract (get smaller). The amount of such expansion/contraction depends on the material -- the shape and weight of the molecules, the bonds they might form between them, and the way they fit together. In very unusual cases (like some rubbers), heat might actually make the materials contract instead of expanding.

So it's important to know exactly what your material is made of and study how much it will expand and contract at various temperatures, if you plan to build with it!

User Avatar

Wiki User

15y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

Examples of uses of the expansion and contraction of materials?

insoulble


What are two examples of uses of the expansion and contraction materials?

Expansion materials can be used in bridges and buildings to accommodate changes in temperature and prevent cracking. Contraction materials are commonly used in pavement construction to control the cracking caused by shrinkage as the material cools.


What are some ways expansion and contraction could cause safety hazards?

Expansion and contraction of materials can cause structural integrity issues like cracking, which can compromise the safety of a building or infrastructure. In heating systems, expansion and contraction can lead to leaks or ruptures in pipelines, posing risks of fire or explosion. In electrical systems, expansion and contraction of wires can result in short circuits or electrical fires.


Could expansion or contraction cause problems?

Yes, expansion or contraction of materials can cause problems in structures, particularly if they are not accommodated for in the design. If expansion or contraction occurs unevenly or is not properly controlled, it can lead to issues such as warping, cracking, or failure of the structure. Proper planning and use of materials that can accommodate thermal expansion and contraction is important to avoid these problems.


What is the meaning of Living with thermal expansion and contraction?

Living with thermal expansion and contraction means understanding that materials expand and contract with changes in temperature, and designing structures or products to accommodate these changes to prevent damage or failure. It involves selecting appropriate materials, using expansion joints, and allowing for movement to occur without compromising the stability or performance of the system.


What is the antonym for contraction?

Expansion is the antonym for contraction.


Where does thermal expansion and contraction occur?

Thermal expansion and contraction occur in materials when they are exposed to changes in temperature. This can happen in solids, liquids, and gases, leading to changes in volume, length, or density of the material. It is a common phenomenon experienced in everyday objects and structures.


What are the release dates for Expansion and Contraction - 1903?

Expansion and Contraction - 1903 was released on: USA: January 1903


Do you agree that expansion and contraction only cause problems?

No, we use expansion and contraction to tell temperature(thermometer).


Is an Expansion and contraction with regard to weathering are caused by rusting?

Expansion and contraction in weathering are caused by temperature changes, not rusting. Rusting is a chemical process that occurs when iron reacts with oxygen in the presence of water, leading to the formation of iron oxide (rust). However, rusting can contribute to the weakening and eventual breakdown of materials, which may then be more susceptible to expansion and contraction due to temperature changes.


Are there any other uses for the expansion and contraction of matter?

Yes, expansion and contraction of matter are used in various practical applications such as bimetallic strips in thermostats, thermometers, and in certain types of mechanical relays. These mechanisms utilize the different rates of expansion and contraction of two materials to measure temperature or to act as switches in electrical circuits.


What change a materials volume by expansion and compression?

Heating a material causes it to expand, increasing its volume, while cooling a material causes it to contract, decreasing its volume. The expansion and contraction of materials are due to changes in the intermolecular spacing as the temperature changes.