Linear Expansion Equation
Reference from the original Physics I textbook.
- Linear Expansion Equation
ΔL = change in length (m); L = initial length (m); α = linear expansion coefficient (K⁻¹ or °C⁻¹); ΔT = temperature change (K or °C). Table values headed 10⁻⁶/°C must be multiplied by 10⁻⁶.
- Related Glossary Terms
Coefficient of Linear Expansion, Coefficient of Volume 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.
- 10⁻⁶/°C is a table scale factor, not the intrinsic unit of α. — 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.