Question

The length of the rail is 10 m. The coefficient of linear expansion of steel is 1.1 x 10^-5 per °C. If the temperature variations are 50°C, how much space must be left between the two rails?

(a)  5.5 mm

(b)  2.75 mm

(c)  5.5 cm

(d)  2.75 cm

Answer 1

Correct option (a) 5.5 mm

Explanation:

Now a rail expands 2.75 mm (1/2 x 5.5 mm) on both sides. Similarly another rail expands 2.75 mm on both side.

Thus space left = 2.75 + 2.75 = 5.5 mm