Thermal Expansion of Metal Ball Problem

In summary, the problem presented is about thermal expansion and its effect on the ability of a metal ball to pass through a metal ring. The question is raised as to what would happen if the ring, rather than the ball, were heated. The poster initially thought that the ball would be able to pass through the heated ring due to its expansion, but raises the concern that the hole in the ring may also shrink. A link to a resource on thermal expansion is provided for further understanding.
  • #1
grantP
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[SOLVED] Thermal Expansion Problem

Homework Statement



A metal ball is just able to pass through a metal ring. When the ball is heated thermal expansion will not allow it to pass through the ring. What would happen if the ring rather than the ball, were heated? Would the ball pass through the heated ring? Does the size of the hole in the ring increase, decrease, or stay the same?

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



Well at first, I thought it has to be of course the ball could pass through if heated because it would expand therefore making it larger. Would it however enlarge it in all outward directions even in the actual "hole" part making the "hole" area smaller?
 
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  • #3
thanks!
 

Related to Thermal Expansion of Metal Ball Problem

1. What is the thermal expansion of metal ball problem?

The thermal expansion of metal ball problem is a scientific experiment that involves heating a metal ball and measuring its increase in size due to thermal expansion. This is done to understand how materials behave when exposed to changes in temperature.

2. What factors affect the thermal expansion of metal ball?

The thermal expansion of metal ball is affected by the type of metal, the initial temperature of the ball, the rate of heating, and the surrounding environment. Different materials have different coefficients of thermal expansion, which determines how much they expand when heated. The initial temperature of the ball and the rate of heating also play a role in the expansion process, as well as the temperature and pressure of the surrounding environment.

3. How does thermal expansion impact the accuracy of measurements in the metal ball problem?

Thermal expansion can have a significant impact on the accuracy of measurements in the metal ball problem. As the ball expands, its dimensions change, which can affect the accuracy of measurements taken with rulers or calipers. In order to minimize this impact, scientists often use specialized equipment, such as interferometers, to measure the expansion more precisely.

4. What applications does the thermal expansion of metal ball problem have?

The thermal expansion of metal ball problem has various applications in engineering and materials science. It is used to understand how materials behave under different temperature conditions, which is important for designing structures and machines that can withstand thermal stress. It is also used in the production of precision instruments, such as thermometers and thermostats.

5. What are some potential sources of error in the thermal expansion of metal ball problem?

Some potential sources of error in the thermal expansion of metal ball problem include measurement error, thermal conductivity of the surrounding environment, and the presence of impurities in the metal. Measurement error can occur due to limitations of the measuring instruments or human error. The thermal conductivity of the surrounding environment can affect the rate of heating and thus, the expansion of the ball. Impurities in the metal can also affect its coefficient of thermal expansion, leading to inaccurate results.

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