Question

Solve the problem with complete solution. In an experiment to determine the coefficient of linear expansion for aluminum, a .50 m rod is heated from 20 degree Celsius to 100 degree Celsius. The length increases to .84 m. Find the coefficient of linear expansion for aluminum.

Answer 1

$$\Delta L=\alpha L_0\Delta T,$$ $$\alpha=\dfrac{L-L_0}{L_0\Delta T}=\dfrac{0.84\ m-0.5\ m}{0.5\ m\times80^{\circ}C}=8.5\times10^{-3}\ (^{\circ}C)^{-1}.$$