Remarks on thermal expansion

Abstract

A paper by Anderson [1967] on thermal expansion at high pressure has been discussed by Birch [1968] within the framework of equations of state with certain general functional forms. This note points out that certain simplifying assumptions have rather extensive consequences that include specifying a particular equation of state. It is neither necessary nor possible to make an independent assumption about the equation of state. Because of these consequences it is all too easy to reason in a circle and to make redundant or incompatible assumptions; these dangers must be emphasized.