Calculating the coefficent of volume expansion of liquid?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the coefficient of volume expansion of an unknown liquid in a thermometer, as well as determining the radius of the stem based on the rise of the liquid. The context includes theoretical and mathematical reasoning related to thermal expansion and geometry.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Participants discuss the formula for volume expansion, ΔV = VβΔT, and its application to the problem.
  • One participant suggests calculating the coefficient of volume expansion by converting the percentage increase in volume to a fraction and dividing by the temperature change (0.4/15).
  • Another participant notes that knowing the volume of the bulb allows for calculating the increase in volume and subsequently the radius of the stem using the relationship of volume to the area of cross-section and length.
  • There is an acknowledgment of a successful explanation and resolution of the initial queries, though some uncertainty remains regarding the calculations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the approach to solving the problem, but there is no consensus on the final calculations or the exact values derived from the proposed methods.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions regarding the volume of the bulb and the specific geometry of the thermometer are not explicitly stated, which may affect the calculations. The discussion does not resolve the exact values for the coefficient of volume expansion or the radius of the stem.

Pinchie81
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I can't seem to figure out this question.

A Thermometer is filled with unknown liquid. It has a square bulb and a stem with cylinder shape. It is found that the volume of the liquid increased by 40% when the temperature changes by 15 Celsius.
Calculate the coefficient of expansion of volume of the liquid and the radius of the stem if the liquid rises by 5 cm?
Do I need to use the formula: ΔV = VβΔT

Don't know how to tackle this question any help would be appreciated.
 
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Pinchie81 said:
I can't seem to figure out this question.

A Thermometer is filled with unknown liquid. It has a square bulb and a stem with cylinder shape. It is found that the volume of the liquid increased by 40% when the temperature changes by 15 Celsius.
Calculate the coefficient of expansion of volume of the liquid and the radius of the stem if the liquid rises by 5 cm?
Do I need to use the formula: ΔV = VβΔT

Don't know how to tackle this question any help would be appreciated.

WOW! I am stuck on exactly same question.
Someone tried to help me with this..I thought I understand it all now but I am stuck again haha.
This might make sense to you then you can help me.
For 1st part the volume coefficient of expansionis the fractional increase in volume per unit rise in temperature. The % increase is given so change that to a fraction and divide by the rise in temperature (0.4/15 = 0.0267?? may be :S)
For the 2nd part if you know the vol of the bulb, then you can work out the increase in the actual vol of the liquids because you know it increases by 40%. The tube is a cylinder and liquid will have a vol = area of cross section x length. You know the increase in volume and you know the length so work out the area of cross section and hencethe radius.
 
SAFiiNA said:
This might make sense to you then you can help me.
For 1st part the volume coefficient of expansionis the fractional increase in volume per unit rise in temperature. The % increase is given so change that to a fraction and divide by the rise in temperature (0.4/15 = 0.0267?? may be :S)
For the 2nd part if you know the vol of the bulb, then you can work out the increase in the actual vol of the liquids because you know it increases by 40%. The tube is a cylinder and liquid will have a vol = area of cross section x length. You know the increase in volume and you know the length so work out the area of cross section and hencethe radius.
I think you explained that very well, SAFiiNA. And judging by the absence of any further query from Pinchie81, I'd conclude that you managed to answer his/her questions! :wink:
 
NascentOxygen said:
I think you explained that very well, SAFiiNA. And judging by the absence of any further query from Pinchie81, I'd conclude that you managed to answer his/her questions! :wink:

Thank you! :) I finally managed to work it out myself.
 

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