Topic explanation

Standard explanation

Thermal expansion is the increase in dimensions of a material when its temperature rises. Linear expansion: ΔL = αL₀ΔT.

Key points

• Thermal expansion: increase in dimensions due to an increase in temperature.
• Thermal contraction: decrease in dimensions due to cooling.
• Linear expansion formula: ΔL = αL₀ΔT
• Greater original length → greater expansion.
• Greater temperature change → greater expansion.
• Greater coefficient of expansion → greater expansion.

Labelled diagram