Coefficient of Volume Expansion
Reference from the original Physics I textbook.
- Coefficient of Volume Expansion
The coefficient of volume expansion β describes the fractional volume change per temperature change: ΔV ≈ βV₀ΔT. Its unit is K⁻¹. For an isotropic solid with small expansion, β ≈ 3α.
- Related Glossary Terms
Coefficient of Linear Expansion, Linear Expansion Equation, Table 7.4.1: Coefficients of Linear Expansion, Thermal Expansion, Volume Expansion Equation
- Index
Reviewed physics notes (1)
These corrections keep the original lesson’s purpose while fixing errors in the source edition.
- Volume expansion coefficient is β, not V. — Reference 1
Glossary and deeper reading · 1 refreshers
These editorial refreshers supplement the reading. Definitions and examples are added guidance; original source wording and recorded answers remain in their original context.
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Thermal expansion
Thermal expansion is a change in a material’s dimensions as its temperature changes. A simple coefficient model approximates the change over a limited temperature range and depends on the material and geometry. For example, leaving gaps between sections of a metal rail allows space for expansion in warmer conditions.