The tune of a string instrument will change if it is heated or cooled because th

Question

The tune of a string instrument will change if it is heated or cooled because the different materials expand or shrink in different ways, resulting in changes in tensions. A violin string is made of steel with a coefficient of linear expansion of 4.4x10-5 Celsius. It is mounted on a wood frame with a coefficient of linear expansion of 0.6x10-5 Celsius. If the temperature decreases by 18 Celsius, then.....

Which will shrink more?

Calculate by how much each will shrink if both are initially 33cm long?

Explanation / Answer

a)Since steel has a higher coefficient of thermal expansion, it will also shrink more.

b)Change in length of string=l*alpha*(delta T)=0.33*4.4*10^-5*(-18)=-0.00026136m=-0.026136cm

Change in length of frame=l*alpha*(delta T)=0.33*0.6*10^-5*(-18)=-0.00003564m=-0.003564cm

negative sign indicates shrinkage in both cases.

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse T
• Subjects

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.