Answer to Question #146569 in Physics for Marie

Question

It is anticipated that the temperature in the construction site changes from 0 oC to 33 oC. If one of the
components to be installed in the construction sites is a steel member of 600 meters in length, how
much expansion should be anticipated?

Answer 1

We can find the change in the linear expansion from the formula:

$$\Delta L=\alpha L\Delta T,$$ $$\Delta L=1.2\cdot10^{-5}\ ^{\circ}C^{-1} \cdot 600\ m\cdot 33\ ^{\circ}C=0.24\ m.$$

Answer:

$\Delta L=0.24\ m.$