Physics
Final length
The new length once the temperature has settled.
The Formula
L_final = L x (1 + alpha x dT)
The new length once the temperature has settled.
| Symbol | Meaning | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lf | Final length | metres | The length after the change. |
| L | Original length | metres | The length before the change. |
What Each Symbol Means
Lfmetres
Final length
The length after the change.
Lmetres
Original length
The length before the change.
See It Worked With Real Numbers
A formula on its own does not tell you which number goes where. The how to calculate thermal expansion page applies this equation to a concrete case, shows every intermediate step, and names the mistakes that produce a wrong answer even when the algebra is right.
Where This Formula Appears
This equation is the working core of How To Calculate Thermal Expansion, filed under Science. Every number the guide produces comes from substituting into this one line.