Work done through linear expansion

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The work done by an 8000kg aluminum flagpole, heated from 10°C to 20°C, is calculated using the linear expansion coefficient of 24 x 10-6 /°C. The initial volume at 10°C is determined to be 2.963 m3. The flagpole expands by 0.024m, leading to a total work output of 213 J, derived from the relationship between linear and volume expansion. The formula for volume expansion, which relates to the coefficient of linear expansion, is crucial for this calculation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of linear expansion and its coefficient
  • Knowledge of volume expansion and its relation to linear expansion
  • Familiarity with the formula for calculating work done (w = PΔV)
  • Basic principles of thermodynamics and material properties
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the formula for volume expansion in solids
  • Study the relationship between linear and volume expansion coefficients
  • Explore practical applications of thermal expansion in engineering
  • Learn about the properties of aluminum and its thermal behavior
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics or engineering, material scientists, and professionals involved in structural design and thermal analysis will benefit from this discussion.

LadyMario
Messages
27
Reaction score
0
An 8000kg aluminum flagpole 100m long is heated by the sun from a temperature of 10°C to 20°C. Find the work done (in J) by the aluminum if the linear expansion coefficient is 24*10-6 /°C. (The density of aluminum is 2.7*103 kg/m3 and 1 atm = 1.0*105 N/m2)

I know w=PΔV, and I know V at 10°C = mass/density= 8000/2.7*103 = 2.963m3

I know how much longer the flagpole grows: ΔL=αLΔT = 24*10-6(100)(20-10)=0.024m

But how does the volume at 20°C relate to the growth of the flagpole through linear expansion?

The answer is suppsoed to be 213 J.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Do you know the formula for volume expansion? The coefficient of volume expansion has a simple relation to the coefficient of linear expansion.
 
TSny said:
Do you know the formula for volume expansion? The coefficient of volume expansion has a simple relation to the coefficient of linear expansion.

Yea I found it in the textbook. We were never taught it in class, so I was trying to find another way to do it, but oh well :P
 

Similar threads

Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
11
Views
5K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
4K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
9K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
7K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
6K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
6K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K