As shown in the figure, a bimetallic strip, consisting of metal G on the top and metal H on the bottom, is rigidly attached to a wall at the left. The coefficient of linear thermal expansion for metal G is greater than that of metal H. If the strip is uniformly heated, it will
A) curve upward.
B) curve downward.
C) remain horizontal, but get longer.
D) remain horizontal, but get shorter.
E) bend in the middle.

Question

As shown in the figure, a bimetallic strip, consisting of metal G on the top and metal H on the bottom, is rigidly attached to a wall at the left. The coefficient of linear thermal expansion for metal G is greater than that of metal H. If the strip is uniformly heated, it will 
A) curve upward. 
B) curve downward. 
C) remain horizontal, but get longer. 
D) remain horizontal, but get shorter. 
E) bend in the middle.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The coefficient of linear thermal expansion for metal G is greater than that of metal H, which means that metal G will expand more than metal H when heated. Therefore, the top of the bimetallic strip will expand more than the bottom, causing it to curve downward.

As Shown in the Figure, a Bimetallic Strip, Consisting of Metal