How it works
Use linear thermal expansion with the units stated beside the fields. This form solves for length expansion magnitude; enter the known quantities in Linear expansion coefficient, Length, Temperature difference magnitude.
Inputs and units
| Input | Example value | What to enter |
|---|---|---|
| Linear expansion coefficient | 0.000015000000000000002 K⁻¹ | Formula symbol: α. Required unit: K⁻¹. Must be greater than zero. |
| Length | 2.25 m | Formula symbol: L. Required unit: m. Must be greater than zero. |
| Temperature difference magnitude | 75 K | Formula symbol: ΔT. Required unit: K. Must be greater than zero. |
Worked example
Show example inputs and results
This example is generated by the same calculation engine using the starting values in the form. Your own inputs produce your own result.
- Linear expansion coefficient
- 0.000015000000000000002 K⁻¹
- Length
- 2.25 m
- Temperature difference magnitude
- 75 K
Complete example results
- Length expansion magnitude
- 0.00253125 m
Reading the result
The result solves for length expansion magnitude from the entered quantities. Check the result unit and the formula conditions before using it.
Questions and answers
Can I use the example values for my own calculation?
The example values illustrate the calculation. Replace every input with your own information, especially dates, rates and the selected operation.
When can I use the length expansion magnitude result?
This model uses positive magnitudes. Use initial length and the small-expansion approximation. Coefficient is constant over the interval; only positive expansion is solved.
Why are some results rounded?
Results display up to 8 decimal places. Calculations use the unrounded values; very small values use scientific notation. JavaScript floating-point arithmetic can introduce tiny rounding differences.
Are my inputs sent to a server?
The calculator processes inputs in your browser. Its code does not send your values to a server.
Method sources: openstax.org