Linear Thermal Expansion

This equation computes a linear dimension change to a sample material chosen from a number of solids, liquids, and (as an approximation) gases caused by changes in temperature ( holding pressure constant).

This equation uses a material-unique factor that is the coefficient of expansion to define the change in length of the chosen material.

INPUTS

To compute the change in length you input the following:
Material - the choice of the material you are examining

`L_1` - the initial length of the material

`T_1` - the initial temperature of the sample of length, `L_1`

`T_2` - the final temperature of the sample

NOTES

The basic concept behind thermal expansion is that adding heat to matter increases the kinetic energy stored in the intermolecular bonds between atoms, lengthening the bonds.  The material increases in linear dimension by this factor, the coefficient of expansion.