APPLICATIONS OF THERMAL EXPANSION

OBJECTTo explore various applications

of thermal expansion.

We shall take a look at the following applications of thermal expansion

1. Consideration during constructions2. The bimetallic strip3. Thermometers4. Engine Coolant5. The Charles’s Law6. Jar lids and power lines

1 .CONSIDERATION DURING CONSTRUCTIONS

The expansion or contraction of a materials must be kept in mind while designing large structures.

2 .THE BIMETALLIC STRIP

A bimetallic strip can be used to control thermostats and can also be used in fire alarms.

3 .THERMOMETERS

A thermometer is also constructed on the principle of thermal expansion.

4 .ENGINE COOLANT

An engine’s coolant overflows due to thermal expansion.

5 .THE CHARLES’S LAW

Charles's law states that when pressure is kept constant, there is a direct relationship between volume and temperature.

6 .JAR LIDS AND POWER LINES

It is an everyday experience that tight metal lids are easy to remove after passage of hot water over them.

Sagging of electrical power lines is another example of thermal expansion.