Physics › Section I · Temperature, gases, and heat › Topic I.1

Temperature and thermal expansion

Temperature tells you which way energy will flow between two objects, and changing it makes almost everything grow or shrink a little. This topic sets up the temperature scales and the zeroth law, then the rules for thermal expansion that keep railways and bridges safe.

In this topic

  • What a thermometer measures
  • The zeroth law and three scales
  • Worked example: a weather report
  • Absolute zero
  • Linear thermal expansion
  • Worked example: a summer rail
  • Areas, holes and volumes
  • Worked example: a brimming flask
  • Water's odd behaviour
  • Thermal stress
  • Common mistakes to avoid
  • Key takeaways

This topic is part of Wuanberri Pro. Checking your access…

← Previous topicNext topic →