SUMMARY
The discussion focuses on calculating the change in length of an aluminum rod after adding 12,500 J of energy. The rod, initially 23.0 cm long at 20°C with a mass of 350 g, undergoes a temperature change calculated using the equation Q = m * c * delta T. The final temperature is determined to be 59.68°C, leading to a change in length calculated with deltaL = alpha * L0 * deltaT, where alpha is 24 x 10^-6 and c is 900 J/kg. The correct change in length is 0.219 mm, highlighting the importance of proper unit conversion in calculations.
PREREQUISITES
- Understanding of thermal energy transfer and specific heat capacity
- Familiarity with linear thermal expansion concepts
- Knowledge of unit conversions, particularly between meters and millimeters
- Proficiency in algebraic manipulation of equations
NEXT STEPS
- Study the principles of thermal expansion in materials
- Learn about specific heat capacity calculations in different materials
- Explore the effects of temperature changes on physical properties of metals
- Practice unit conversion techniques in physics problems
USEFUL FOR
Students in physics or engineering disciplines, educators teaching thermal dynamics, and anyone interested in material properties and thermal expansion calculations.