The Behaviour of Matter - Expansion

When particles are heated, they begin to move around more and the space between the particles increase, causing the substance to expand. The diagram below shows the effect of heat on the particles in a solid substance. Notice that the particles are vibrating more. Because of this, they are bumping into each other and the distance between the particles means the solid will expand.

1. The movement of particles cause it to expand
2. The size of the particles
3. The space between the particles
4. The size of the substance

Aim: To observe contraction in gases

Equipment: Aluminium can, Scissor tongs, Bunsen Burner< Heatproof  mat, Tripod, Open container of water

1. Set up a Bunsen Burner underneath a tripod and gauze mat
2. Pour approximately 50-60 ml of water into your can. It should be now more than 1/4 full
3. Heat the can of water until steam is seen escaping from the top. Carefully grip the can with the sissor tongs. Ensure you have a firm hold of the can before lifting it off the gauze mat
4. Quickly, but very carefully, invert the can as you plunge it into a container of water

Observations: The can took a while to boil but once we tipped it in to the water it crushed.

Explanation: We did not end up completing the experiment to the highest level because Tanaya drop it while trying to move it to the container so we had to rush to make another one quickly.