An increase in temperature causes most metals to undergo thermal expansion, which means the volume of the metal increases upon heating. How does thermal expansion affect the unit cell length? What is the effect of an increase in temperature on the density of a metal?

Key Concepts

Thermal Expansion

Thermal expansion refers to the increase in volume of a material as its temperature rises. In metals, this occurs because the increased kinetic energy of atoms causes them to vibrate more vigorously, leading to greater distances between them. This phenomenon is typically linear for solids, meaning that as temperature increases, the dimensions of the material, including length, width, and height, expand proportionally.

Unit Cell Length

The unit cell is the smallest repeating unit in a crystal lattice that defines the structure of a solid. As temperature increases and thermal expansion occurs, the dimensions of the unit cell also increase, leading to a longer unit cell length. This change can affect the overall properties of the material, including its mechanical and thermal characteristics, as the arrangement of atoms within the unit cell is altered.

Density

Density is defined as mass per unit volume and is a critical property of materials. When a metal is heated and undergoes thermal expansion, its volume increases while its mass remains constant, leading to a decrease in density. This relationship is important in understanding how temperature changes can affect the buoyancy and structural integrity of metals in various applications.