Question

What is thermal expansion?Define the types of thermal expansion.

Answer 1

The increase in size experienced by an object on heating is called thermal expansion. Solids, liquids, and gases all expand when heated. A substance in the gaseous state expands the most than liquid than solid. This is because the three states of matter differ in their molecular arrangement.

Types of thermal expansion are:-

1. Linear expansion:-Expansion in the length of a solid on heating is called linear expansion.
2. Superficial expansion:-Expansion in the area of solid on heating is called superficial expansion.
3. Cubical expansion:-Expansion in the volume of solid, liquid, or gas on heating is called cubical expansion.