ABSTRACT
This chapter defines the coefficients of linear, superficial and cubic expansion. The amount by which unit length of a material expands when the temperature is raised one degree is called the coefficient of linear expansion of the material. The amount by which unit area of a material increases when the temperature is raised by one degree is called the coefficient of superficial expansion. The amount by which unit volume of a material increases for a one degree rise of temperature is called the coefficient of cubic expansion. When heat is applied to most materials, expansion occurs in all directions. Conversely, if heat energy is removed from a material contraction occurs in all directions. The effects of expansion and contraction each depend on the change of temperature of the material. A practical application of the expansion of a liquid is with thermometers, where the expansion of a liquid, such as mercury or alcohol, is used to measure temperature.
