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Thermal expansion of solids — KCSE Physics

KCSE Physics · 110 practice questions · 7 syllabus objectives

36 easy37 medium37 hard

What You'll Learn

Key learning outcomes for this topic, aligned to the KNEC KCSE syllabus.

Describe practical applications and consequences of thermal expansion (bimetallic strip, gaps in railway lines, thermostats)

Explain thermal expansion of solids in terms of increased vibration of particles with temperature

Define linear expansivity (α) and apply ΔL = αL₀ΔT to calculate the change in length of a solid

Explain precautions and problems related to thermal expansion including cracking glass, expansion gaps and reinforced concrete

Explain thermal expansion of solids in terms of increased particle vibration and describe the ball-and-ring experiment

Describe the bimetallic strip and explain its applications in thermostats and fire alarms

Thermal expansion of solids

Sample Questions

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1
easySHORT ANSWER4 marks

Define thermal expansion of solids in terms of particle motion and explain the significance of the ball-and-ring experiment in illustrating this concept. (4 marks)

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Part (a) — 2 marks
Thermal expansion of solids occurs when particles gain energy and vibrate more vigorously (1 mk)
The increased vibration causes particles to move apart, resulting in an overall increase in volume (1 mk)
Part (b) — 2 marks
The ball-and-ring experiment demonstrates that a heated metal ball expands and does not fit through the ring (1 mk)
It illustrates the principle of thermal expansion by showing how temperature changes affect size (1 mk)
2
easySHORT ANSWER3 marks

List three practical consequences of thermal expansion in railway construction. (3 marks)

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Part (a) — 3 marks
Expansion joints are necessary to prevent track buckling during heat (1 mk)
Gaps are left between rail sections to allow for expansion (1 mk)
Railway tracks may need regular maintenance to adjust for thermal expansion (1 mk)
3
easySHORT ANSWER3 marks

State the definition of linear expansivity (α) and provide a formula that relates it to change in length (ΔL). (3 marks)

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Part (a) — 1 mark
Linear expansivity (α) is defined as the change in length per unit length per degree change in temperature (1 mk)
Part (b) — 2 marks
ΔL = αL₀ΔT (1 mk)
Where ΔL is the change in length, L₀ is the original length, and ΔT is the change in temperature (1 mk)
4

Explain how thermal expansion occurs in solids and the role of particle vibration in this process. (3 marks)

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Why Practise Thermal expansion of solids?

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