Expansion and Contraction
Expansion and Contraction
The application of the principle of expansion and contraction of matter in daily life.
Mercury in glass thermometer
1. A mercury in glass thermometer works on the expansion and contraction of
mercury in
the bulb of the thermometer.
2. When the thermometer is used to measure the temperature of a hot object, the
mercury in
the bulb expands and forces the mercury in the glass tube to go up.
3. When the thermometer is used to measure the temperature of a cold object, the
mercury
in the bulb contracts and the mercury in the glass tube goes down.
Photo 7.9 Thermometer Pg. 121
Bimetallic Strip in Fire Alarm PMR 08
1. A bimetallic strip is made of two different metal strip, such us copper and iron.
2. Copper expands faster than iron when heated.
3. The forces that arise due to en equal expansion of the two metals cause the
bimetallic
strip to bend.
4. Bimetallic strips are used as automatic switches in fire alarms and as thermostats
in
electrical appliances such as iron, air-conditioners, rice cookers and refrigerators to
keep the
temperature in these appliances constant.
Figure 7.20 Pg. 122
Gaps In Railway Tracks
1. Gaps are left in between sections of rails to allow for the expansion of the rails
during very
hot weather.
Science Form 1 note SMART STUDY - GOOD LUCK Teacher zaidi@maher2010
2. Concrete roads are built with expansion gaps to allow for the expansion of the
concrete
during hot weather.
2. By applying the proper methods of heat flow, we can enjoy comfortable living and
improve
air circulation.