Question

Define:

1. Linear expansion of solids
2. Areal expansion of solids
3. Volumetric expansion of solids

Answer 1

1. The linear expansion of a solid is the increase in length of a wire or a rod of a solid due to increase in its temperature.
2. The area of a sheet of a solid material increases upon heating just like linear expansion. This is called the areal expansion of solids. σ is the coefficient of areal expansion of a solid substance.
3. When the three dimensional piece of solid expands on all sides when heated and its volume increases just like a sheet. This is called the volumetric expansion of a solid. β is the volumetric expansion coefficient of a solid substance.