Why do some metals expand more than others when heated?
Quick Answer
Metals expand at different rates because their atoms are bonded with different strengths and structures. Weaker or more open bonding usually means more thermal expansion.
The Full Story
When metals are heated, their atoms vibrate more and take up slightly more space, but not all metals expand the same amount. The exact rate depends on the atomic bonding, crystal structure and how easily atoms can move apart. That is why engineers must account for thermal expansion in bridges, railways and precision instruments. Some alloys are designed specifically to have very low expansion, such as Invar, invented in 1896 by Charles Édouard Guillaume.
Key Facts
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