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Linear expansion – problems and solutions

1. A steel is 40 cm long at 20 oC. Coefficient of linear expansion for steel is 12 x 10-6 (Co)-1. The
increase in length and the final length when it is at 70 oC will be...
Known :
The change in temperature (T) = 70oC – 20oC = 50oC
The original length (L1) = 40 cm
Coefficient of linear expansion for steel (= 12 x 10-6 (Co)-1
Wanted : The change in length (L) and the final length (L2)
Solution :
a) The change in length (L)
L =  L1 
L 12x10-6 oC-1)(40 cm)(50oC)
L = (10-6)(24 x 103) cm
L = 24 x 10-3 cm
L = 24 / 103 cm
L = 24 / 1000 cm
L = 0.024 cm

b) The final length (L2)

L2 = L1 + L
L2 = 40 cm + 0.024 cm
L2 = 40.024 cm

2. An iron rod heated from 30 oC to 80 oC. The final length of iron is 115 cm and the coefficient of
linear expansion is 3.10-3 oC-1. What is the original length and the change in length of the iron ?
Solution :
The change in temperature (T) = 80 oC – 30 oC = 50 oC
The final length (L2) = 115 cm
The coefficient of linear expansion (= 3.10-3 oC-1
Wanted : the original length (L1) and the change in length (L)
Solution :

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