Thermodynamics
Linear Thermal Expansion
Change in length due to temperature change.
Variables
ΔLm
Change in length
Length increase
α1/K
Expansion coefficient
Linear expansion coeff
L₀m
Original length
Initial length
Allowed values: greater than 0
ΔTK
Temperature change
Change in temperature
Derivation
ΔL/L₀ = αΔT (proportional expansion).
Your notes
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Check value
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- α = 2 1/K (Expansion coefficient)
- L₀ = 3 m (Original length)
- ΔT = 4 K (Temperature change)
Result: ΔL = 24 m
Other thermodynamics formulas with the same quantities
- Heat Capacity (Heat & Temperature) shares Temperature change
Where this formula is listed
- Thermodynamics formulas, under Heat & Temperature, alongside Latent Heat, Heat Conduction, Stefan-Boltzmann Law, Thermal Resistance and Newton's Law of Cooling.
- In the thermodynamics list it comes after Latent Heat and before Volume Thermal Expansion.
- Thermodynamics formula sheet, one of 34 formulas printed with symbol keys and SI units.
- The full formula index, grouped by category and topic.
Common questions
What is the Linear Thermal Expansion formula?
Linear Thermal Expansion is written ΔL = αL₀ΔT. Change in length due to temperature change. It belongs to Thermodynamics, under Heat & Temperature.
What are the units in ΔL = αL₀ΔT?
In SI units, ΔL is change in length, measured in m; α is expansion coefficient, measured in 1/K; L₀ is original length, measured in m; ΔT is temperature change, measured in K.
How is the Linear Thermal Expansion formula derived?
ΔL/L₀ = αΔT (proportional expansion). The result is ΔL = αL₀ΔT.