Thermal Expansion Calculator - Calculator Academy

Enter the thermal expansion coefficient, length, and change in temperature into the calculator to determine the change in length from thermal expansion.

Thermal Expansion Formula

The following formula describes the relationship of thermal expansion.

dL = a * L * dT

Where dL is the change in length
a is the coefficient of thermal expansion
L is the original length
dT is the change in temperature.

Thermal Expansion Definition

Thermal expansion is defined as the total increase in length or a dimension due to an increase in the temperature of the material.

Thermal Expansion Formula

How to calculate thermal expansion.

First, determine the coefficient of thermal expansion.
This can be looked up on a table based on the material or calculated through an experiment.
Next, measure the original length.
Determine the original length or dimension of the object.
Next, measure the change in temperature.
Calculate or measure the change in temperature.
Finally, calculate the change in length.
Using the formula for thermal expansion, calculate the change in length.

FAQ

What is thermal expansion?

Thermal expansion is the change in length or another dimension of an object when it undergoes a change in temperature.

What causes thermal expansion?

Thermal expansion is caused by the increased outward force of particles when their temperature is increased. The extra movement of particles causes objects to change in size.