What is the formula for thermal expansion in terms of change in length?

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The formula for thermal expansion in terms of change in length is based on the coefficient of linear expansion, represented by α (alpha). This coefficient quantifies how much a material expands per unit length for a unit change in temperature.

The relationship is given by the formula:

ΔL = α * L₀ * ΔT,

where ΔL is the change in length, L₀ is the original length, ΔT is the change in temperature, and α is the coefficient of linear expansion of the material.

This equation shows that the change in length is directly proportional to both the original length of the material and the change in temperature it experiences.

In this context, this choice correctly reflects the linear relationship involved in thermal expansion, specifically emphasizing the impact of temperature change on an object's dimensions.