Does Heat Cause Area Expansion? Understanding the Expansion of Materials

In summary, area expansion due to heat refers to the increase in surface area of an object as it is heated up. This is caused by the increase in kinetic energy of the particles, leading to a greater distance between them. Most solids, liquids, and gases are affected by this phenomenon, with materials like metals expanding more significantly due to their higher coefficient of thermal expansion. Understanding area expansion due to heat is essential in industries like construction and engineering, and it is closely related to other thermal expansion phenomena, such as linear and volume expansion.
  • #1
hms.tech
247
0

Homework Statement



This is a question from my physics book, i don't understand its solution.

Consider a square hole in an aluminum plate (2D) . If this block is heated,
will this hole become smaller or larger ?

Homework Equations



δL/L = β*δT


The Attempt at a Solution



As each of the side of the block expands (some a lttle, while the longer sides more) thus the area decreases.

But, the answer as given by the book is that the area would increase.
Can anyone help me understand this ?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
All linear dimensions will expand by the same factor, including the hole.
 

What is area expansion due to heat?

Area expansion due to heat refers to the phenomenon where the surface area of an object increases as it is heated up.

How does heat cause area expansion?

Heat causes area expansion by increasing the kinetic energy of the particles in an object, causing them to vibrate and move further apart, resulting in an increase in the overall size of the object.

What materials are most affected by area expansion due to heat?

Most solids, liquids, and gases are affected by area expansion due to heat. However, materials with a higher coefficient of thermal expansion, such as metals, tend to expand more significantly than others.

What are the practical applications of understanding area expansion due to heat?

Understanding area expansion due to heat is crucial in various industries, such as construction and engineering, where precise measurements are necessary. It also helps in the design and maintenance of structures that are exposed to high temperatures, such as bridges and pipelines.

How is area expansion due to heat related to other thermal expansion phenomena?

Area expansion due to heat is closely related to other thermal expansion phenomena, such as linear expansion and volume expansion. They all involve the change in dimensions of an object due to a change in temperature, but in different directions.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
968
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
11
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
13
Views
6K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
22K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
818
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
1K
Back
Top