Question

Using charles' law and understanding of what is happening at the particle level, explain why a marshmallow expands in size when you microwave it?

using charles' law and understanding of what is happening at the particle level, explain why a marshmallow expands in size when you microwave it?

Answer 1

On particle level, temperature is a measure of the kinetic energy of the particles. By increasing the temperature, the particles hit the "walls" of the marshmallow with greater force, forcing it to expand.

On mathematical level, Charles states:

`V_1/T_1=V_2/T_2`

Multiply with `T_2`

`V_2=T_2*V_1/T_1`

Since volume and temperature can not take negative values, `V_2` is proportional to the temperature rise, thus increasing when temperature is increased.