Linear Thermal Expansion of a Meter Stick

In summary, thermal expansion can be calculated by multiplying the initial length of a material by 1 plus the coefficient of expansion and the change in temperature. This formula can be applied to different segments of a meter stick, such as the portion from 0 to 10cm. Additionally, the amount of thermal expansion is proportional to the initial length and is not affected by the specific segment being measured.
  • #1
Ibraheem
51
2
Hello,

If a thermal linear expansion happens to a meter stick, for instance a 50 m steel meter stick, the new length would be 50(1+(coefficient of expansion )(ΔT)). My question is would this also work if we choose different segment of the meter stick?For example, Can the new length for the part from 0 to 10m of the meter stick be shown by 10(1+(coefficient of expansion )(ΔT))?
 
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  • #2
(I assume you meant 0-10cm)

Yes, thermal expansion is a fraction of initial length, regardless of what segment you are looking at.
 
  • #3
russ_watters said:
(I assume you meant 0-10cm)
He has a 50 meters long "meter stick". :wink:
 

1. What is linear thermal expansion?

Linear thermal expansion is the phenomenon where an object increases in length when heated and decreases in length when cooled. This is due to the expansion and contraction of the molecules within the object.

2. How does the linear thermal expansion of a meter stick occur?

The linear thermal expansion of a meter stick occurs due to the increased kinetic energy of the molecules when heated. This causes the molecules to vibrate and take up more space, resulting in an increase in length of the meter stick.

3. What factors affect the linear thermal expansion of a meter stick?

The linear thermal expansion of a meter stick is affected by the material it is made of, the temperature change, and the dimensions of the meter stick. Different materials have different coefficients of linear expansion, meaning they will expand and contract at different rates. The greater the temperature change, the greater the expansion or contraction will be. And the longer the meter stick, the greater the change in length will be.

4. How is the linear thermal expansion of a meter stick measured?

The linear thermal expansion of a meter stick can be measured using a ruler or caliper to measure the change in length before and after heating or cooling. The change in length can then be divided by the original length to calculate the coefficient of linear expansion.

5. What are the practical applications of understanding linear thermal expansion?

Understanding linear thermal expansion is important in fields such as engineering and construction, as it helps predict and account for changes in length of materials due to temperature changes. This can prevent structural damage or malfunction. It is also important in everyday objects, such as thermometers and bimetallic strips, which utilize the properties of linear thermal expansion.

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