Linear Expansion

The coefficient of linear expansion is defined as the length by which 1 m of a material expands
for every degree rise in temperature.

Change in length l
 
Original length x change in tempera ture l0 xT

S.I. Units
m m
  o C 1  K 1
m oC mK

The coefficient of linear expansion is a constant for a given material.

lo - is the original length of the material

T0 - is the original temperature of the material

l1 - is the final length of the material

T1 - is the final temperature of the material

Typical values Coefficient of Linear

Material Expansion (x 10-5 K-1)

Aluminium 2.2

Brass 1.9

Copper 1.8

Glass 0.9

Iron 1.2

Steel 1.1

Zinc 2.6
Superficial Expansion

Change in area A
   2
Original area x change in tempera ture A0 xT

Cubical Expansion

Change in Volume V
   3
Original Volume x change in tempera ture V0 xT