Why Is Longitudinal Strain Zero for a Heated Copper Rod on a Smooth Surface?

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SUMMARY

The longitudinal strain of a heated copper rod on a smooth surface is zero due to the absence of friction. When the rod, initially at 0°C, is heated to 100°C, the formula for strain, which is defined as delta l/l_0, simplifies to zero because the smooth surface allows for no resistance to expansion. The coefficient of linear expansion is irrelevant in this scenario as the lack of friction prevents any longitudinal strain from developing.

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Homework Statement


A copper rod of length l_0 at 0 C is placed on a smooth surface.Now the rod is heated up to 100 C.FIND THE LONGITUDINAL STRAIN DEVELOPED ?

The Attempt at a Solution


What I did :
strain = delta l/ l_0
= l_0 alpha(coefficient of linear expansion) delta T/l_0
=100 alpha

but surprisingly the answer is zero and the solution says since the "SURFACE IS SMOOTH".
I have no clue why or how it works?
 
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I agree with your answer. The given answer makes sense if the question asked for longitudinal stress, so it may be a typo.
 
billy_joule said:
I agree with your answer. The given answer makes sense if the question asked for longitudinal stress, so it may be a typo.
Ditto.
 

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