. A change in temperature of 100^oC causes a square plate to expand as shown in the figure. The coefficient of linear expansion of the plate is approximately

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The coefficient of linear expansion, denoted by α, is defined as the fractional increase in length per unit increase in temperature. In this case, we can use the fact that the change in length of the square plate is directly proportional to its original length L and the change in temperature ΔT.

From the figure, we see that the change in length of each side of the plate is equal to 1/10 of its original length. Therefore, the original length L = 10x, where x is the length of each side in the figure. The change in length is ΔL = 1/10 x ΔT.

Using the definition of α, we have:

α = ΔL / (L ΔT) = (1/10 x ΔT) / (10x ΔT)

Canceling the ΔT on both sides, we get:

α = 1/1000 per degree Celsius

Expressing this in scientific notation, we have α ≈ 1.0 x 10^-3 /°C.

Therefore, the best choice is B, which is the only one that is closest to this value, namely 0.0010/°C.

a Change in Temperature of 100oC Causes a Square

a Change in Temperature of 100^oC Causes a Square