The diagram shows a mechanic using a heated metal ring to fit it around a railway wheel. At first, the ring is slightly too small. The mechanic heats it eve...
Question 1 Report
The diagram shows a mechanic using a heated metal ring to fit it around a railway wheel. At first, the ring is slightly too small. The mechanic heats it evenly, places it over the wheel, and then allows it to cool. The wheel and ring are both solid objects, but their particles vibrate more when their temperature rises.
(a) Describe what happens to the spacing between particles in the ring when it is heated. [1]
(b) Explain why the ring diameter increases. [2]
(c) What happens to the ring when it cools around the wheel? [1]
Answer Details
(a) When the ring is heated, the average spacing between its particles increases. [1]
(b) Heating gives the particles more kinetic energy, so they vibrate with greater amplitude about their fixed positions. Their greater average separation causes the solid to expand, increasing the ring diameter. [2]
(c) On cooling, the ring contracts and grips tightly around the wheel. [1]
Download The App On Google Playstore
Everything you need to excel in your exams
