Question

Define coefficient of linear expansion.

Answer 1

1. Expansion means to change or increase in volume.
2. If the change in volume occurs over the length it is called linear expansion.
3. The coefficient of linear expansion is the rate of change in unit length in the unit degree of change in temperature.
4. It can be mathematically expressed as,$\alpha L=\frac{dL}{dT}$
5. Where, $\alpha L$= coefficient of linear expansion.

$dL$=The unit of change in length.

$dT$= The unit of change in temperature.

6. Its unit is ${}^0{c}^{-1}or{K}^{-1}$

7. Hence, the coefficient of linear expansion is the rate of change in unit length in the unit degree of change in temperature.