What is Thermal Expansion
Thermal expansion is the phenomenon observed in solids, liquids, and gases. In this process, an object or body expands on the application of heat (temperature). Thermal expansion defines the tendency of an object to change its dimension either in length, density, area, or volume due to heat. When the substance is heated it increases its kinetic energy. Thermal expansion is of three types:
- Linear expansion
- Area expansion
- Volume expansion
- The relative expansion of the material divided by the change in temperature is known as the coefficient of linear thermal expansion. The coefficient of linear thermal expansion generally varies with temperature.