Thermal Expansion
Reference from the original Physics I textbook.
- Thermal Expansion
Thermal expansion is a change in size as temperature changes. Most materials expand when heated and contract when cooled. For example, a metal rod generally becomes longer when heated.
- Related Glossary Terms
Coefficient of Linear Expansion, Coefficient of Volume Expansion, Linear Expansion Equation, Volume Expansion Equation
- Index
Reviewed physics notes (1)
These corrections keep the original lesson’s purpose while fixing errors in the source edition.
- Placing a hot object in cold water generally cools and contracts it, contrary to the source example. — 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.
-
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.