A thermal expansion experiment demonstrates how materials change size when heated or cooled. This fundamental physics concept affects everything from bridge construction to precision instruments.

Linear Expansion: When temperature increases, a rod's length changes while diameter stays constant. The formula is ΔL = L₀ × α × ΔT, where L₀ is original length, α is the expansion coefficient, and ΔT is temperature change.

Area Expansion: Both width and height of a flat plate expand simultaneously, increasing total area. The relationship follows ΔA = A₀ × 2α × ΔT for small temperature changes.

Volume Expansion: All three dimensions expand together in a sphere or cube, affecting the total volume. This follows ΔV = V₀ × 3α × ΔT for most solid materials.

Real-World Applications: Engineers must account for thermal expansion when designing buildings, bridges, and precision instruments. Different materials expand at different rates, which is why expansion joints are crucial in construction projects.