Question

Explain the three types of thermal expansion of matter.

Answer 1

The three types of thermal expansion of matter are:

1. Linear expansion:

1.1 The increase in length of a substance due to heating is called the linear expansion of matter.

1.2 Linear expansion is mostly observed in solid rods.

2. Superficial expansion:

2.1 The increase in surface area of substance due to heating is called the superficial expansion of matter.

2.2 It is usually observed in thin solid plates.

3. Volume or Cubical expansion:

3.1 The increase in the volume of a substance due to heating is called as volume expansion of matter.

3.2 It is observed all three forms of matter.

Hence the three types of thermal expansion are linear, superficial, and volume expansion.