Thermal Expansion-how much has the ocean expanded

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around estimating the thermal expansion of ocean water based on a temperature increase of approximately 0.375°C over the past century. Participants are exploring the implications of this temperature change on the volume of ocean water, specifically focusing on the coefficients of thermal expansion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply the coefficient of cubical thermal expansion to estimate volume change but expresses uncertainty about their calculations. Other participants question whether the problem is asking for a percentage increase in depth or volume, and they discuss the appropriateness of using linear versus volumetric coefficients.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants raising questions about the assumptions made regarding the type of expansion being calculated. Some guidance has been offered regarding the calculations, and there is an acknowledgment of potential errors in the original poster's approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the complexities of thermal expansion coefficients and their application to the problem, with some uncertainty about the definitions and the calculations involved.

endurance12
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The ocean’s average temperature has risen by approx 0.375°C over the century. Use this value to estimate by how much the ocean water might have expanded in items of percentage increase.

This is what i started doing but I do not think this is right.
Coefficient of Cubical Thermal Expansion (Y)= change in volume (dv)/ Initial volume (v) * change in temp (dt)

Coefficient of volume expansion of water= 207*10^-6 per deg C
Linear coefficient = 1/3 cubical coefficient
=1/3*207*10^-6
= 6.9*10^-6%
But i am not getting the right answer I do not think. Can you please help me?
 
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Does the question ask for a percentage increase in depth (linear) or volume (cubic)?
 
i believe volume
 
endurance12 said:
Coefficient of volume expansion of water= 207*10^-6 per deg C
Linear coefficient = 1/3 cubical coefficient
=1/3*207*10^-6
If you think the question is asking for volumetric expansion, why divide by 3?
= 6.9*10^-6%
That's off by 3 orders of magnitude. Try the last step again.
 

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