Heating matter causes the particles to gain kinetic energy, which makes them move faster and vibrate more. As a result, the particles tend to move farther apart, causing the substance to expand. This increased movement can also lead to changes in the state of matter, such as melting, evaporation, or boiling, where the arrangement of particles changes due to the added energy, but the number of particles remains constant.
Effects of Heating on Particles
- Particles gain kinetic energy.
- Particles move faster and vibrate more vigorously.
- Particles tend to move further apart, causing expansion.
- In solids, particles vibrate more in fixed positions.
- In liquids, particles move more freely and spread out.
- In gases, particles move the fastest and expand the most.
Changes in State of Matter Due to Heating
- Solid to liquid (melting) as particles gain enough energy to overcome some attraction.
- Liquid to gas (evaporation or boiling) as particles gain enough energy to move freely.
- Expansion generally occurs in all states when heated, but to varying degrees based on particle arrangement and forces of attraction.
