Physics

Linear Thermal Expansion

Change in length with temperature.

Formula

Formula
ΔL = α L0 ΔT

Variables

SymbolDefinitionType & rangeUnitsRole
α expansion coefficient (1/K) computed result result
L₀ original length (m) real number (ℝ) m input
ΔT temp change (K) computed result result

Try it yourself

Interactive calculator
Result

Worked examples

Example 1
Givenα (1/K) = 0.000012, L₀ (m) = 10, ΔT (K) = 50
Result0.006
Example 2
Givenα (1/K) = 0.000023, L₀ (m) = 5, ΔT (K) = 100
Result0.0115