Answer to Question #128108 in Optics for Lusapho

Question

Steel railroad rails 18,2880m long are laid on a winter day when the temperature is - 6,00 degrees Celsius. How much space must be left between rails if they are just to touch on a summer day when the temperature is 43 degree Celsius.

Answer 1

$$\Delta l=l_0\alpha \Delta T\\\Delta l=(18.288)(1.2\cdot10^{-5})(43+6)=0.0108\ m$$