In physics, expansion is the enlargement or increase in the bulk of bodies, in consequence of a change in their temperature. This is one of the most general effects of heat, being common to all bodies whatever, whether solid or fluid. The expansion of fluids varies considerably, but, in general, the denser the fluid, the less the expansion; thus water expands more than mercury, and spirits of wine more than water; and, commonly, the greater the heat, the greater the expansion; but this is not universal, for there are cases in which expansion is produced, not by an increase, but by a diminution of temperature. Water, in cooling, ceases to contract at 42 degrees Fahrenheit.; and at about 39 degrees, just before it reaches the freezing point (32 degrees), it begins to expand again, and more and more rapidly as the freezing point is reached. This expansion is about one-eleventh of its bulk, and accounts for the bursting of pipes, etc, when water is freezing in them. Research Expansion
Abbreviations
SciTech
Research Expansion