Linear Thermal Expansion

The linear thermal expansion of a material is the amount that the material expands in one direction as the temperature changes. This is particularly relevant in solids. The formula for linear thermal expansion is ΔL = L₀ * α * ΔT, where:

• ΔL is the change in length,
• L₀ is the initial length of the material,
• α is the linear expansion coefficient of the material,
• ΔT is the change in temperature.

The expansion coefficient is a measure of how much a material expands per degree of temperature increase and is usually given in /°C or /K. Practically, this formula allows engineers and designers to estimate the size changes of materials under different temperature conditions to ensure the structural integrity of buildings, machines, and other constructions.