How Heat Affects Matter
Step 1. Questions
Think for a moment about popcorn. If you put popcorn kernels in a cool pan, what happens? The kernels just lay there. However, when you put the pan of popcorn over a heat source things begin to happen! If you observe the kernels carefully you can see them start to move. Hold the pan over the heat long enough and, well, you know the rest. The kernels burst open and fluffy popcorn starts dancing right out of the pot!
Now instead of popcorn, try to visualize molecules. They behave in a similar manner. At cooler temperatures molecules are in a fixed pattern and vibrate in position. As energy is added they vibrate faster and eventually break out of their pattern. If enough energy is added the molecules will move faster and faster and, like the popcorn, will escape. Now it’s time for you to take over. In this research project you are going to discover how heat affects matter. Use these questions to guide your investigation.- How does heat relate to molecular motion?
- What are four states of matter?
- What causes substances to change from one state to another?
- How does adding or removing heat energy cause changes in size?
By using the following Web sites you can answer these questions, as well as some of your own. When your research is complete, use the steps that follow to develop a written report presenting your findings.
Step 2. Research
Research answers for the questions you were asked in Step 1. Visit these Web sites. Take notes about them on this page, too!
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