Coefficient of linear expansion
Definition
The coefficient of linear expansion quantifies how much a material's length changes per degree change in temperature. It is typically denoted by the symbol $\alpha$ and has units of $\text{1/°C}$ or $\text{1/K}$.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
- The formula for linear expansion is $\Delta L = \alpha L_0 \Delta T$, where $\Delta L$ is the change in length, $L_0$ is the original length, and $\Delta T$ is the change in temperature.
- Different materials have different coefficients of linear expansion; metals generally have higher coefficients than ceramics.
- The coefficient of linear expansion is crucial for understanding thermal stress in engineering applications.
- This property can vary slightly with temperature, although it is often treated as constant over small temperature ranges.
- In practical applications, knowing the coefficient helps in designing objects that need to withstand temperature variations without deforming.
Review Questions
- What does the coefficient of linear expansion measure?
- How does the coefficient of linear expansion affect materials differently?
- What is the formula used to calculate the change in length due to thermal expansion?
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Related terms
Thermal Expansion: The tendency of matter to change its shape, area, and volume in response to a change in temperature.
Volume Expansion: The increase in volume of a material as it heats up. It is characterized by the volumetric coefficient of expansion.
Thermal Stress: Stress created within a material due to changes in temperature causing expansion or contraction.
