The thermal expansion of a solid is caused by
A)the breaking of bonds between atoms.
B)increasing the amplitude of the atoms vibration.
C)increasing the distance between equilibrium positions for the vibrating atoms.
D)all of the above.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Thermal expansion occurs when the temperature of a solid increases, causing the atoms to vibrate faster and increasing the distance between the equilibrium positions of the atoms. The bonds between the atoms remain intact, so A is incorrect. While increasing the amplitude of the atoms' vibration (B) is a factor, it is not the primary cause of thermal expansion.

The Thermal Expansion of a Solid Is Caused by