Answer
Using the potential energy-versus-inter atomic spacing curve, the thermal expansion can be reflected by an increase in average distance between atoms. When the potential energy is raised through heating to successively high temperatures, the inter atomic atomic distance also increases. Thermal expansion is the result of the asymmetric curvature of the potential energy. When the potential energy curve is symmetric, there will be no net change in inter atomic distance and thus no thermal expansion.
Work Step by Step
Using the potential energy-versus-inter atomic spacing curve, the thermal expansion can be reflected by an increase in average distance between atoms. When the potential energy is raised through heating to successively high temperatures, the inter atomic atomic distance also increases. Thermal expansion is the result of the asymmetric curvature of the potential energy. When the potential energy curve is symmetric, there will be no net change in inter atomic distance and thus no thermal expansion.
