Thermal expansion

Thermal expansion is the tendency of matter to change in shape, volume, and area
in response to a change in temperature. Thermal expansion is where an object
expands and becomes larger due to a change in its temperature. A higher
temperature means that the molecules are moving faster on average, causing them
to take up more space. Consequently, objects that are heated up increase in size.
The forces which produce the expansion are very large and can cause even very
strong objects to distort. Long metal bridges may expand by several centimeters on
a hot day. To allow for this expansion the bridges have expansion gaps at each end.
As the bridge warms up it lengthens and the gaps close. Similar gaps are used in
railway lines to prevent them from buckling in hot weather.
When a solid is heated, the heat energy supplied converts into the kinetic energy of
its particles (which we call thermal energy). The molecules of the solid vibrate
faster and with greater amplitude and therefore occupy more space. When a liquid
or gas is heated, the heat energy supplied converts to the kinetic energy of its
particles. The molecules of the liquid or gas translate faster and therefore occupy
more space.
Metal tyres
In the old days, wheels on carts were made of wood. A metal tyre is mounted on
the wheel to make it last longer. The metal tyre is made to be slightly smaller than
the wooden wheel. In order to mount the tyre, it is heated to a high temperature.
The thermal expansion causes the tyre to be larger than the wooden wheel. It is
mounted onto the wooden wheel when it is hot. When the tyre cools down, it will
contract and fit tightly over the wooden wheel.
The bimetallic strip
A bimetallic strip consists of two metal strips riveted together. The strips bend on
heating such that the metal that expands more is on the outer side of the curve.
Brass expands much more than invar when heated and so this combination forms a
good bimetallic strip. Brass will also contract more on cooling.

This bending effect can be used to activate a fire alarm or act as a thermostat to
control the temperature in an oven
The bimetallic strip is arranged so that it will bend upwards to close the electrical
circuit when heated, thereby activating the electric bell.

The bimetallic strip is arranged so that it will bend downward to open the electrical
circuit when it gets too hot, thereby regulating the temperature of the oven.
Reference
https://www.google.com/search?
q=thermal+expansion&oq=thermal+expansion&aqs=chrome.69i57j0i67j0i512l8.2
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Physics for CSEC
Collins Concise revision course CSEC physics