You are right. You can apply that expansion formula to any linear dimension.hoomanya said:Am I right in saying that, the linear expansion equation L = L_0 (1+ α ΔT) can be applied to each dimension individually
Thermal expansion is the tendency of a substance to expand in volume or length when it is heated and contract when it is cooled.
Thermal expansion in solids is caused by the increase in kinetic energy of the atoms or molecules that make up the substance when it is heated. This increase in energy causes the atoms/molecules to vibrate faster and take up more space, resulting in expansion.
Thermal expansion affects the dimensions of a solid by causing it to expand or contract in a specific direction. For example, when a solid is heated, its length, width, and height will increase, while its density will decrease. When it is cooled, the opposite will occur.
No, thermal expansion varies depending on the material and its physical properties. Some materials, such as metals, have a higher coefficient of thermal expansion, meaning they expand more when heated compared to other materials.
Yes, thermal expansion can cause damage to structures if they are not designed to account for it. For example, if a structure is built with materials that have a high coefficient of thermal expansion, it can lead to cracks and structural damage when exposed to extreme temperature changes.