Thermal expansion depth

In summary, to find the depth of the mercury column at 100 deg, we first calculate the volume expansion coefficient by multiplying the linear expansion coefficients of mercury and glass by three. Then, using the volume of mercury and the temperature change, we can find the change in volume and ultimately the new volume at 100 deg. However, we must also take into account the change in radius of the glass tube due to thermal expansion.
  • #1
2
0

Homework Statement


A glass tube of radius 0.80cm contains liquid mercury to a depth of 64.0cm at 12deg. Find the depth of the mercury column at 100 deg.
Assume that the linear expansion coefficient of the glass is 10 X 10^-6 K-1 and the linear expansion coefficient of mercury is 0.61 X 10^-4 K-1.


Homework Equations



volume expansion coefficient = 3 X linear expansion coefficient.

delta V = V- Vo = (vol.exp.coefficient)(Vo)(delta T)


The Attempt at a Solution



Ok, So I multiplied the linear expansion coefficient of mercury and glass by three to calculate volume expansion coefficient.
Since the glass tube has radius of 0.80cm = 0.008m
Therefore, volume of mercury = (pi)(r^2)(h)
= (pi)(0.008^2)(0.64) = 0.000128679 = 1.287X10^-4m^3.

I don't know if I am on the right track,
what about the volume of the glass tube?
Thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Welcome to Physics Forums. It looks like you are on the right track.

A couple of questions to help you think about what to do next:

1. What is the change in the volume of the mercury, after it is heated to 100 deg?

2. What happens to the cross-sectional area?
 
  • #3
Thanks Redbelly 98 :)

change in the volume of mercury =
delta V = V-Vo = (vol.coeficient)(Vo)(delta T)
= V - (1.287 X 10^-4) = (1.83 X 10^-4)(1.287X10^-4)(100-12deg)
2.072 X 10^-6 = V - (1.287 X 10^-4)
Therefore, V = 1.30772 X 10^-4 m^3.
Since V = (pi)(r^2)(h)
and r is fixed (r is still going to be 0.008m.)
But what about the change in volume of the glass tube?

I am confused @_@
 
  • #4
The radius of the glass tube is not fixed. It changes due to thermal expansion.
 

Suggested for: Thermal expansion depth

Replies
2
Views
835
Replies
3
Views
596
Replies
1
Views
277
Replies
1
Views
638
Replies
7
Views
930
Replies
4
Views
599
Replies
3
Views
1K
Replies
8
Views
666
Back
Top