Linear Expansion of Solid problem

In summary, to calculate the temperature at which an aluminum shaft should be cooled in order to fit an aluminum ring with a diameter of .07 m at 5 deg. C, the equation used is Delta T = Delta L / (Coefficient of Linear Expansion * Original Length). The final temperature is calculated to be -12.85 deg. C, assuming there are no errors in the calculation process.
  • #1
toddler
17
0

Homework Statement



There is an aluminum ring, .07 m in diameter at 5 deg. C. There is also an aluminum shaft whose diameter is .07003 m in diameter at 5 deg. C. What temp. should the shaft be cooled such that the ring will fit over the shaft.



Homework Equations



/\L = Coefficient of Lin. Expansion (Original Length) /\T




The Attempt at a Solution



step 1) .07 - .07003 = 2.4 x 10^-5 (.07003) (5 - Tf)

* The original length is .07003 since is what is being cooled to eventually reach .07 m. Also, the Coefficient of Lin. Expansion for Aluminum is 2.4 x 10^ -5

step 2) -3.0 x 10^-5 = 1.681 x 10^-6 (5 - Tf)

step 3) -3.0 x 10^-5 = 8.405 x 10^-6 - 1.681 x 10^-6 Tf


now when i solve for Tf, it is not coming out to -12.85 deg. C, which the book states is the answer...so I'm assuming there is an error somewhere, or a few places...any help would be appreciated , thanks
 
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  • #2
Your step 3 is OK. Check you didn't make a mistake with the signs or the exponents. Multiplying everything by 10^6 might help.

-30 = 8.405 - 1.681 Tf

EDIT:

Oops, P3X-018 is right. I made two mistakes which canceled out and gave me the right answer. Need more coffee...
 
Last edited:
  • #3
I assume you get a reversed sign? When you calculate the temperature difference you use "initial temperature - final temperature" you need to use the same order about the difference in the diameter, that is "inital diameter - final diameter". You do it reversed for the length, what is the initial diameter?
 
  • #4
Linear expansion

consider
for variation in lenth Delta L for any variation in temp Delta T is

Delt a L = Coeff of Linear expansion * Original Length * Delta T
or
Delta T = Delta L / ( C of L exp * Original Length)
in the present case


delta L = 0.07003 - 0.07000 = 0.00003
then delta T = 0.00003 / ( 2.4 * 10 ^-5 *0.07003)
= ( 3 * 10^5)/ (2.4 * 7003)
= 300000/(1687.02)

=17.849
since delta L is negative, delta T also will be negative , which means
delta T = - 17.849
or -17.85 = final temp -original temp = Ft - 5 or

FT= -12.85
hope this is clear
 

Related to Linear Expansion of Solid problem

1. What is linear expansion of a solid?

Linear expansion refers to the increase in length of a solid when it is heated. This is due to the atoms in the solid vibrating faster and taking up more space, causing the solid to expand.

2. How is linear expansion measured?

Linear expansion is measured using the coefficient of linear expansion, which is the change in length of a solid divided by its original length, per degree of temperature change. The unit for this measurement is usually 1/°C or 1/°F.

3. What factors affect linear expansion?

The coefficient of linear expansion of a solid depends on its material properties, such as its atomic structure and bonding. Additionally, the degree of temperature change and the initial length of the solid can also affect the amount of linear expansion.

4. How is linear expansion used in real life?

Linear expansion is used in various applications, such as in the construction of bridges and buildings. Materials with low coefficients of linear expansion, like steel, are used to prevent warping and cracking due to temperature changes. It is also used in the design of precision instruments such as thermometers and thermostats.

5. What is the formula for calculating linear expansion?

The formula for calculating linear expansion is: ΔL = αLΔT, where ΔL is the change in length, α is the coefficient of linear expansion, L is the original length, and ΔT is the change in temperature.

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