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Coefficient of thermal expansion. The coefficient of thermal expansion describes how the size of an object changes with a change in temperature. Specifically, it measures the fractional change in size per degree change in temperature at a constant pressure. Several types of coefficients have been developed: volumetric, area, and linear.
Quick Answer. Thermal expansion occurs when a transfer of heat causes matter to change in volume in response to a change in temperature. When a substance heats up, the particles within it begin moving around, which creates space between the particles. As the space between the particles expands, the substance begins to increase in size.