What is thermal expansion?

What is thermal expansion?

Thermal expansion is the increase in volume of a material as it heats up. It occurs in solids, liquids, and gases.

Can you give me an example of thermal expansion in everyday life?

Sure! A common example is the way metal expands when heated, like the gaps in railway tracks that allow for expansion.

How does thermal expansion affect bridges?

Bridges are designed with expansion joints to accommodate the thermal expansion and contraction of materials due to temperature changes.

Are there materials that expand more than others?

Yes, different materials have different coefficients of thermal expansion. For instance, metals generally expand more than ceramics.