Original Project
Atoms, Molecules, and States of Matter
For any single state of matter, increasing the temperature typically increases the distance between atoms or mol…
Item AM042005: When a glass thermometer is placed in hot water, the level of liquid rises because the molecules get farther apart.
A glass thermometer has a colored liquid inside it. The level of colored liquid rises when the thermometer is placed in hot water. Why does the level of liquid rise?
- Water molecules are pushed into the thermometer.
- Heat molecules push the molecules of the liquid upward.
- Heat causes the molecules of the liquid to get farther apart.
- The molecules of the liquid break down into atoms and take up more space.
- Distribution of Responses
- Students Responding Correctly
| Group | Correct | Total | Percent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 1708 | 3814 | 45% |
| Grades | |||
| 6–8 | 1066 | 2699 | 39% |
| 9–12 | 640 | 1107 | 58% |
| Gender | |||
| Male | 871 | 1854 | 47% |
| Female | 816 | 1919 | 43% |
| Primary Language | |||
| English | 1574 | 3428 | 46% |
| Other | 118 | 354 | 33% |
- Notes
- NGSS does not address thermal expansion or contraction of matter.