Question 1

Which of the following statements best describes temperature at the microscopic level?

Accepted Answer

Temperature is proportional to the average translational kinetic energy per particle in a substance.

Question 2

A thermometer works based on which physical principle?

Accepted Answer

Expansion or contraction of a liquid in response to temperature changes.

Question 3

If you have two liters of boiling water and one liter of boiling water, which property is the same for both?

Accepted Answer

Temperature

Question 4

Heat is best defined as:

Accepted Answer

Internal energy transferred from one object to another due to a temperature difference.

Question 5

A red-hot thumbtack is dropped into warm water. What is the direction of heat flow?

Accepted Answer

From the red-hot thumbtack to the warm water.

Question 6

Which equation correctly relates the quantity of heat $$Q$$ added to a substance, its mass $$m$$, specific heat capacity $$c$$, and temperature change $$\Delta T$$?

Accepted Answer

$$Q = mc\Delta T$$

Question 7

If you add the same amount of heat to a half-cup of tea and a full cup of tea, and the half-cup's temperature rises by $$4^{\circ}$$\mathrm{C}$$, what is the temperature rise for the full cup?

Accepted Answer

$$2^{\circ}$$\mathrm{C}$$

Question 8

Why does water have a higher specific heat capacity than most other substances?

Accepted Answer

Water molecules can absorb energy in ways that do not increase translational kinetic energy, such as internal vibration and rotation.

Question 9

How does the high specific heat capacity of water affect coastal climates?

Accepted Answer

It moderates temperature changes, making coastal climates milder.

Question 10

Which has the higher specific heat capacity, water or land?

Accepted Answer

Water

Question 11

Why do railroad tracks sometimes buckle on hot summer days?

Accepted Answer

Thermal expansion causes the metal rails to expand and buckle if there is not enough space for expansion.

Question 12

When stringing telephone lines between poles in the summer, why is it advisable to allow the lines to sag?

Accepted Answer

Because the lines will contract in winter and may snap if not enough sag is allowed.

Question 13

Which of the following best explains why ice floats on water?

Accepted Answer

Ice has an open-structured crystal lattice that makes it less dense than liquid water.

Question 14

What happens to a sample of water at $$0^{\circ}$$\mathrm{C}$$ when it is heated?

Accepted Answer

It contracts until it reaches $$4^{\circ}$$\mathrm{C}$$, then expands with further heating.

Question 15

Which equation correctly expresses the relationship between the calorie and the joule?

Accepted Answer

$$1\ \mathrm{calorie} = 4.19\ \mathrm{joules}$$

Question 16

A bimetallic strip is made of brass and iron. When heated, the strip bends. Why?

Accepted Answer

Brass expands more than iron when heated, causing the strip to bend.

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the behavior of water as it cools from $$4^{\circ}$$\mathrm{C}$$ to 0$$^{\circ}$$\mathrm{C}$$?

Accepted Answer

It expands as it cools below $$4^{\circ}$$\mathrm{C}$$.

Question 18

A car's gasoline tank is filled in the morning when the gasoline is cool. Later in the day, the temperature rises. What is most likely to happen?

Accepted Answer

The gasoline expands and may overflow from the tank.

Question 19

Which of the following is a real-world application of thermal expansion?

Accepted Answer

Expansion joints in bridges to allow for temperature changes.

Question 20

Why does the Atlantic Ocean have a significant effect on the climate of Europe?

Accepted Answer

Because water's high specific heat capacity allows it to retain and transport heat energy over long distances.

Chapter 15: Temperature, Heat, and Expansion – Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards