Most materials will expand when the temperature is increased. The change in size

Question

Most materials will expand when the temperature is increased. The change in size will depend on several factors, including the original size, the amount by which the temperature is changed, and the coefficient of linear expansion.
Consider a metal rod that is 1.74 m in length at a temperature of 11.3°C. The coefficient of linear expansion is 5.27×10-5°C-1.
What is the change in length of the rod as temperature increases from 11.3°C to 60.6°C.
What is the fractional change in length? (L/L0)
Suppose you have another rod made of the same material. You don't know the original length or the starting temperature, but you do know that the temperature increases by 87.3 C°. What is the fractional change in length? (L/L0)

Explanation / Answer

Coefficient of linear expansion is alpha = change in length dL/(original length * change in temperature)

alpha = dL/(Lo*dT)

change in length dL = alpha*Lo*dT = 5.27*10^-5*1.74*(60.6-11.3) = 0.004520 m

fractional change in length is dL/LO = alpha*dT = 5.27*10^-5*(60.6-11.3) = 0.002598

-----------------------------------------------------

for another rod

dL/Lo = alpha*dT = 5.27*10^-5*87.3 = 0.00460071

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse M
• Subjects

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