Volume Expansion Equation
Reference from the original Physics I textbook.
- Volume Expansion Equation
ΔV = change in volume (m³); V = initial volume (m³); β = volume expansion coefficient (K⁻¹); for small expansion of an isotropic solid, β ≈ 3α; ΔT = temperature change (K or °C).
- Related Glossary Terms
Coefficient of Linear Expansion, Coefficient of Volume Expansion, Linear Expansion Equation, Thermal Expansion
- Index
Reviewed physics notes (1)
These corrections keep the original lesson’s purpose while fixing errors in the source edition.
- β=3α is an isotropic small-expansion approximation. — 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.