Did you know that the Eiffel Tower grows and shrinks with the seasons? The iconic iron structure can be up to 15 cm (6 inches) taller during the summer due to thermal expansion. When the temperature rises, the iron in the tower heats up and expands. In winter, as temperatures drop, the iron contracts, causing the tower to shrink back to its original height.

This phenomenon showcases the practical importance of accounting for thermal expansion in engineering and structural design!