What effect does heat have on metals in a bi-metal arrangement?

In a bi-metal arrangement, when heat is applied, it causes one metal to expand while the other may contract. This difference in response to temperature changes arises because different metals have different coefficients of thermal expansion, which is a measure of how much a material expands per unit length for each degree of temperature increase.

As one metal expands more than the other, it creates a bending or curvature effect in the bi-metal strip or component. This property is commonly utilized in various applications, such as thermostats and thermometers, where the bending movement can be translated into mechanical work or measurements. Understanding the distinct thermal properties of the metals involved is key to predicting their behavior in response to heat, making the concept fundamental in engineering and material science.