What main principle does a bimetallic strip operate on?

A bimetallic strip operates on the principle of differential expansion of metals at different temperatures. This strip consists of two different metals that are bonded together. When the temperature changes, the metals expand at different rates because they have different coefficients of thermal expansion. One metal may expand more than the other, causing the strip to bend or curve.

This bending effect is utilized in various applications, such as thermostats and thermometers, where the movement can be used to open or close switches, indicating temperature changes. Understanding the expansion rates of the two metals is crucial in the design and application of bimetallic strips to ensure accurate readings and responses to temperature fluctuations.