Temperature-Dependent Length Difference Between Aluminum and Copper Rods

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the temperature-dependent length differences between aluminum and copper rods, specifically focusing on how temperature affects their lengths due to thermal expansion. The original poster seeks assistance in determining the temperature at which one rod becomes longer than the other by a specified amount.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the coefficients of linear expansion for aluminum and copper, and the equation for change in length based on temperature change. There are inquiries about the correct application of these concepts to find the temperature difference that results in a specific length difference.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on using the coefficients of expansion and the relevant equations to approach the problem. There is an ongoing exploration of the calculations involved, with some participants confirming results while others seek further clarification.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of a homework assignment, which may limit the information they can use or the methods they can apply. The original poster expresses uncertainty about their approach, indicating a need for foundational understanding of the concepts involved.

jsalapide
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1.An aluminum rod and a copper rod have the same length of 100 cm at 5 degrees Celsius. At what temperature would one of the rods be 0.5mm longer than the other? Which rod is longer at such temperature?

how can i solve this? i have no idea.. help !
 
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What are the coefficients of expansion of these materials? What is the equation for the change in length in terms of the coefficient of expansion α and the change in temperature ∆T? Subtract the changes in length (larger first) of each of the rods and equate it to 0.5 mm, and solve for ∆T.
 
What are the coefficients of expansion of these materials? What is the equation for the change in length in terms of the coefficient of expansion α and the change in temperature ∆T? Subtract the changes in length (larger first) of each of the rods and equate it to 0.5 mm, and solve for ∆T.

the coefficient of expansion of aluminum is 2.38x10^-5
the coefficient of expansion of copper is 1.68x10^-5
the equation I used was ∆L=(α∆T)(100cm)

i followed your instructions and..
my answer is 71.43 degrees..
is it right?
 
Yes, that would be the change in temperature. The original temperature is 5 °C, so you must add this to the change to get the actual temperature.
 
tnx for the help sir.. :smile:
 
how bout this one..

1.On a hot day where the temperature is 32 degrees celsius, the distance between two lamp posts on the road is 30m as measured by a metal tape whose coefficient of linear expansion is hypothetically 50 x 10^-6 /degree Celsius. If the tape gives its correct reading at 20 degrees, what is the actual distance between the lamp posts?

my answer is 30.018 m..
is that correct?
 
Yes, I get the same answer.
 
thanks a lot sir..
 

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