2.2.1

Thermal expansion of solids, liquids and gases

Cambridge IGCSE Physics (0625)  · Unit 2: Thermal physics  · 6 flashcards

Thermal expansion of solids, liquids and gases is topic 2.2.1 in the Cambridge IGCSE Physics (0625) syllabus , positioned in Unit 2 — Thermal physics , alongside States of matter, Particle model and Gases and the absolute scale of temperature.

This topic is examined in Paper 1 (multiple-choice) and Papers 3/4 (theory), plus Paper 5 or Paper 6 (practical / alternative to practical).

The deck below contains 6 flashcards — covering the precise wording mark schemes reward.

What the Cambridge 0625 syllabus says

Official 2026-2028 spec

These are the exact learning objectives Cambridge sets for this topic. Match the command word (Describe, Explain, State, etc.) in your answer to score full marks.

  1. Describe Describe, qualitatively, the thermal expansion of solids, liquids and gases at constant pressure
  2. Describe Describe some of the everyday applications and consequences of thermal expansion
  3. Explain Explain, in terms of the motion and arrangement of particles, the relative order of magnitudes of the expansion of solids, liquids and gases as their temperatures rise Supplement
Key Concept Flip

Describe, qualitatively, how the volume of a fixed mass of gas in a sealed container at constant pressure changes when its temperature is increased.

Answer Flip

As the temperature of the gas increases, the kinetic energy of the gas particles increases. This causes them to move faster and collide more frequently and forcefully with the walls of the container. Since the pressure is constant, the volume must increase to compensate for the increased force, maintaining a constant pressure. Therefore, the volume of the gas increases.

Key Concept Flip

State what happens to the length of a metal rod when it is heated.

Answer Flip

The length of the metal rod increases. This is because the metal rod expands due to an increase in temperature.

Key Concept Flip

Explain how thermal expansion is used in a bimetallic strip to control the temperature in a thermostat.

Answer Flip

A bimetallic strip is made of two different metals with different coefficients of thermal expansion. When the temperature increases, the metal with the higher coefficient expands more than the other. This difference in expansion causes the strip to bend. In a thermostat, this bending can be used to make or break an electrical contact, switching a heating or cooling system on or off. Thus regulating the temperature.

Key Concept Flip

State two everyday applications of thermal expansion, excluding the bimetallic strip.

Answer Flip

1. Expansion joints in bridges: These gaps allow the bridge structure to expand and contract with temperature changes, preventing stress and cracking.
2. Hot air ballooning: Heating the air inside the balloon causes it to expand, making it less dense than the surrounding air and providing lift.

Key Concept Flip

Explain, in terms of particle motion and arrangement, why gases expand significantly more than solids for the same temperature increase.

Answer Flip

Answer:
In gases, particles are widely spaced with weak intermolecular forces. When heated, gas particles gain kinetic energy, moving faster and further apart. The weak forces allow for greater expansion. In solids, particles are closely packed with strong forces. Increased kinetic energy mainly increases vibration, with limited expansion against strong forces.

Key Concept Flip

State the relative order of magnitude of expansion for solids, liquids, and gases when subjected to the same temperature increase, from least to greatest.

Answer Flip

Answer:
Solids < Liquids < Gases

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2.1.3 Gases and the absolute scale of temperature 2.2.2 Specific heat capacity

More topics in Unit 2 — Thermal physics

Thermal expansion of solids, liquids and gases sits alongside these Physics decks in the same syllabus unit. Each uses the same spaced-repetition system, so progress in one informs the next.

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