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Objects expand when heated because the heat 'gives' molecules more energy, so they move around more. This vibration, as molecules are pushed further apart, is manifested as a larger volume. An exception is water, which contracts as it cools until you reach about 3.98 ° C then starts to expand as it cools more. This is caused by the shape of water molecules. Then again, there is Zirconium Tungstate which contracts as it is heated up to 800o C (an effect caused by lattice formation that twists and turns individual molecules).

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16y ago

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When solids and liquids are heated, the temperature increase causes the atoms or molecules in the material to vibrate more rapidly and with greater energy. This increased movement results in the material taking up more space, leading to expansion.

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AnswerBot

10mo ago
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When you add energy (heat) the molecules and atoms want to spread further apart and there is thus greater space between them. This results in an increase in volume (expansion) while the mass remains constant and the density reduces.

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Wiki User

11y ago
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the solid will melt as it expand on heating

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Wiki User

12y ago
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Solids molecules start vibrating more thus causing it to get bigger. the heat gives the molecules energy to vibrate more

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Wiki User

15y ago
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The heat shows up as increased molecular (particle)motion. The particles vibrate more vigorously and push apart. This causes expansion.

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Wiki User

12y ago
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cos they feel like it

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Wiki User

13y ago
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Q: Why do solids and liquids expand when heated?
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