EXERCISE # 1

Questions
based on
Thermal expansion (solid) Sol.[D] T = 2
L
 nT = C +
1
nL
g 2
Q.1 When a metal rod is heated it expands differentiate
because–
dT 1 dL 1
(A) The size of its atom increases  =0+ = T
T 2 L 2
(B) The distance among its atom increases dT 1
(C) Atmospheric air rushes into it  × 100 = T × 100
T 2
(D) The actual cause is still unknown 1
= × 2 × 10–6 × 10 × 100 = 10–3
Sol.[B] When a metal rod is heated it expands 2
because the distance among its atom
increases. Q.4 Expansion during heating–
(A) Occurs only in solids
Q.2 If the length of a cylinder on heating (B) Increases the weight of a material
increases by 2%, the area of its base will (C) Decreases the density of a material
increase by – (D) Occurs at the same rate for all solids and
(A) 0.5% (B) 2% liquids
(C) 1% (D) 4% Sol. [C] Expansion occurs in all solids, liquids and gases
on heating as distance between their molecules
Sol. [D] Let length of cylinder initially be 1, increases.
coefficient of linear expansion be , and rise in However it may occur at different rates for
temperature be t°C, so solids and liquids. Expansion in a gas in a
 particular time is large, in a liquid in same time
 =   t  × 100 = t × 100 it is small, but in a solid in same time it is

negligible.
 2 = t × 100
Expansion has no effect on mass or weight of a
Now, for area body because same mass is just distributed in a
A different manner.
A = At  = t
A But on heating, density of a substance decreases, so
A d0
  100 = t × 100 d
A 1  T
% change in area =  × 100
= t × 100 Q.5 When a rod is heated but prevented from
= 2t × 100 expanding, the stress developed is
= 2(t × 100) = 2 × 2 = 4% independent of –
(A) Material of the rod
Q.3 A uniform metal rod is used as a bar (B) Rise in temperature
pendulum. If the room temperature rises by (C) Length of rod
10ºC, and the coefficient of linear expansion (D) None of above
of the metal of the rod is 2 × 10–6 per ºC, the
L
period of the pendulum will have percentage Sol.[C] Stress =  = T
L
increase of –
(A) –2 × 10–3 (B) –1 × 10–3
(C) 2 × 10–3 (D) 1 × 10–3
THERMAL EXPANSION 11
Q.6 A steel rod of length 25 cm has a cross–
sectional area of 0.8 cm2. The force required Q.8 An anisotropic material has coefficient of
to stretch this rod by the same amount as the linear thermal expansion 1, 2 and 3 along
expansion produced by heating it through x, y and z–axis respectively. Coefficient of
10ºC is coefficient of linear expansion of steel is cubical expansion of its material will be equal
10–5 ºC–1. Young's modulus of steel is 2 × to-
1010 N/m2.
(A) 1 + 2 + 3 (B) 1 + 22 + 33
(A) 40 N (B) 80 N
1   2   3
(C) 120 N (D) 160 N (C) 31 + 22 + 3 (D)
3
L
Sol.[D] F = A = AT Sol.[A] V = xyz
L
V' = (x + x) (y + y) (z + z)
= 2 × 1010 × (0.8 × 10–4) × 10–5 × 10 N
Neglecting terms
= 160 N
V' = xyz + xy z + (x) yz + xyz

Q.7 A thin copper wire of length L increases in vz vx vy

V'2 = V + + +
length by 1% when heated from temperature z x y

T1 to T2. What is the percentage change in V'2 = V[1 + (1 + 2 + 3)T] = V(1 + eqT)
area when a thin copper plate having  eq = (1 + 2 + 3)
dimension 2L × L is heated from T1 to T2 –
(A) 1% (B) 3% (C) 2% (D) 4% Questions
Expansion of liquids
based on
Sol. [C] Let coefficient of linear expansion be  and
coefficient of superficial expansion be 
Q.9 45 gm of alcohol are needed to completely fill
 On increasing temperature of thin copper
up a weight thermometer at 15ºC. Find the
wire from T1 to T2 we get,
weight of alcohol which will overflow when
LL (T2 – T1)
the weight thermometer is heated to 33ºC.
L
 100 =  (T2  T1 ) × 100 (Given a = 121 × 10–5 ºC–1)
L
(A) 0.98 gm (B) 0.9 gm
 –×
(C) 1 gm (D) 2 gm
On increasing temperature of thin copper plate
Sol.[A] v' = v(1 + aT)  V = VaT
of dimensions 2L × L from T1 to T2 we get
V a T
A = A0(1 +  (T2 – T1) m = 'V =  maT
(1   a T)
 A = 22(1 + (T2 – T1))
= 45 × 12 × 10–5 × 18 gm  0.98 gm
A'A
 % change in area = 100
A Q.10 A long capillary tube of uniform bore
2 (1  (T2  T1 ))  2
2 2 contains a thread of mercury which at 0ºC is
= × 100 100 cm long and at 100ºC it is 101.55 cm. If
2 2
the coefficient of real expansion of mercury is
= (T2 – T1) × 100
1.82 × 10–4 ºC–1, find the coefficient of linear
= 2 (T2 – T1) × 100
expansion of glass.
= 2 [(T2 – T1)] × 100 (A) 3 × 10–6 /ºC (B) 9 × 10–6 /ºC
= 2 × 1 = 2 % –8
(C) 3 × 10 /ºC (D) 9 × 10–8 /ºC

THERMAL EXPANSION 22
Sol.[B] We know, = 50[180 × 10–6 – 3 × 9 × 10–6] × (38 – 18)cc
r = a + g V = 0.153 cc
g = r – a …(1)
V2 = V1(1 + a ) Q.13 The coefficient of apparent expansion of
101.55 = 100(1 + a 100) mercury in a glass vessel is 153 × 10–6/ºC and
a = 1.55 × 10–4 in a steel vessel is 144 × 10–6/ºC. If  for steel
r = 1.82 × 10–4 is 12 × 10–6/ºC, then that of glass is -
(A) 9 × 10–6/ºC (B) 6 × 10–6/ºC
from (1)
(C) 36 × 10–6/ºC (D) 27 × 10–6/ºC
g = r – a = 1.82 × 10–4 – 1.55 × 10–4
Sol.[A] 153 × 10–6 = M – 3 ......(1)
= 0.27 × 10–4
144 × 10–6 = M – 3 × S .....(2)
= 27 × 10–6 C–1 = 3g
(1) – (2)  9 × 10–6 = – 3(g – 12 × 10–6)
g
g = = 9 × 10–6/ºC  9 × 10–6 /ºC
3

Q.14 A horizontal tube, open at both ends, contains

Q.11 The coefficient of volume expansion of
a column of liquid. The length of this liquid
glycerine is 49 × 10–5 ºC–1. What is the column does not change with temperature.
fractional change in its density for a 30ºC rise
Let  = coefficient of volume expansion of
in temperature.
the liquid and  = coefficient of linear
(A) 3 × 10–2 (B) 2 × 10–2
expansion of the material of the tube-
(C) 1.47 × 10–2 (D) 1.47 × 10–4
(A)  =  (B)  = 2

Sol.[C] = – T = – 49 × 10–5 × 30 (C)  = 3 (D)  = 0

Sol. [B]
= 147 × 10–2 × 10–2

= 1.47 × 10–2

Q.12 A glass flask is filled up to a mark with 50 cc of Let length of the column initially be  and area
mercury at 18ºC. If the flask and contents are of cross section of horizontal tube be A0.
heated to 38ºC, how much mercury will be Volume of liquid column initially = A0 = V0
above the mark ? ( for glass is 9 × 10–6/ºC and
On increasing temperature by  ; new volume
coefficient of real expansion of mercury is
of liquid column = A = A0(1 + ) =V
180 × 10–6/ºC) -
(A) 0.85 cc (B) 0.46 cc Where  = Coeff. of superficial expansion of
tube = 2
(C) 0.153 cc (D) 0.05 cc
Sol.[C] V' = V(1 + MT)  V = A0(1 + 2) … (1)

 A'' = A(1 +MT) As,  is the coefficient of cubical expansion of

liquid so,
 A(1 + 2a T) '
V = V0 [1 + ] = A0[1 + ] … (2)
Now above the mark volume
 By (1) and (2),
v = A' [' – ( + T)]
A0 (1 + 2) = A0[1 + ]
= A[1 + 2T]
  = 2
 (1   M T ) 
= [1 + 2T]   (1  T 
 1  2T 
= V[(1+MT) – (1 + (2 + )T)]  True or false type questions
THERMAL EXPANSION 33
 temperature of both mercury and the metal
Q.15 The difference between the length of a certain are increased by an amount T, the fraction
brass rod and that of a steel rod is claimed to of the volume of the metal submerged in
be constant at all temperatures. mercury changes by the factor
Sol. False
.............................
For it 1 1 = 2 2 condition should be satisfied
Sol. Initially for floating substance
W = upthrust
Q.16 Two rods of lengths 1 and 2 are made of VSS g = VIN Hg g
materials whose coefficients of linear VIN 
expansion are 1 and 2. If 11s = 22, then = S
VS  Hg
the difference in their lengths is
approximately the same at all temperatures. On increasing temperature by T
'
Sol. True VS' S' = VIN  Hg g
This is the condition for differential expansion '
of rods. VIN S'
=
VS'  'Hg
Q.17 A liquid with coefficient of volume expansion '
VIN S 1   2 T
 is filled in a container of material having the  
VS' 1  1T  Hg
coefficient of linear expansion . On heating
the liquid level remains almost unchanged S  1   2 T 
when  = 3. =  
 Hg  1  1T 
Sol. True
Liquid level remains unchanged, if expansion in Change in fraction of volume submerged
volume of liquid S  1   2 T   S
= Expansion in volume of container =   –
 Hg  1  1T   Hg
For this, both should have same value of
coefficient of volume expansion or  = 3. S  1   2 T 
=   1
 Hg  1  1T 
 Fill in the blanks type questions  S  (     1 ) T 
=  
 Hg  1  1T 
Q.18 A rod with area of cross-section A, Young’s  Factor by which it changes
modulus of its material E and the linear
(  2   1 ) T
coefficient of expansion  is cooled from tºC =
to 0ºC, then the force required to resist 1   1 T
contraction is ................
 (  2   1 )T [as 1T << 1]
Sol. Let force required to resist contraction be F, so
F/ A 
E=  F = EA
 

  t
F = EA

= EA  t
F = EAt

Q.19 A piece of metal floats on mercury. The

coefficients of volume expansion of the metal
and mercury are 1 and 2 respectively. If the
THERMAL EXPANSION 44
 EXERCISE # 2
(Only single correct answer type 2 L 0  L 0 (  1   2 ) T
Part-A RA + RB =
questions) 

RA  RB
Q.1 Two straight metallic strips each of thickness Mean radius =
2
t and length  are riveted together. Their
2 L 0  L 0 (  1   2 ) T
coefficient of linear expansion are 1 and 2. =
2
If they are heated through temperature T the
2L 0  L 0 (1   2 )T
bimetallic strip will bend to form an arc of =
2L 0 (1 –  2 )T
radius approximately.
t
(A) t/{(1 + 2)T} (B) t/{(2 – 1)T}
(C) t(1 + 2)T (D) t(2 – 1)T =
2  (1   2 )Tt
2(1   2 )T
Sol. [B]
(1 + 2) T << 2(normally) so
A
2t t
A
B R= 
t 2(1   2 )T (  1   2 ) T
B t  RA
 RB
Q.2 A metallic rod  cm long. A square cm in
O
cross-section is heated through tºC. If young's
Let R be the mean radius of curvature
modulus of elasticity of the metal is E and the
The lengths of strips at higher temperature mean coefficient of linear expansion is  per
LA = (1 + 1T) … (1) degree Celsius, then the compressional force
required to prevent the rod from expanding
LB = (1 + 2 T) … (2) along its length is-
(A) EA  t (B) EA t/(1 +t)
If RA and RB are radii of curvature of two strips (C) EA t/(1 – t) (D) E I  t.
then LA = RA, LB = RB Sol. [A]
where  is common angle in radians intercepted
by the strips. 
 LA – LB =  (RA – RB) Stress F/ A
Young's modulus = =
Strain 
LA  LB L (  –  2 ) T
or = = 0 1  
RA  RB RA  RB
F/ A F
E= E =
But RA – RB = t ( t = thickness of strip)  t At
L 0 (1   2 )T 
= … (4)
t F = EA  t

Adding (1) & (2), LA + LB = 2L0 + L0 (1 + 2) T

Q.3 Three rods of equal length are joined to form
From (3) & (5),
an equilateral triangle ABC. D is midpoint of
 (RA +RB) = 2 L0 +L0 (1 + 2) T AB. The coefficient of linear expansion is 1
THERMAL EXPANSION 55
 for AB, and 2 for AC and BC. If the distance 2 2 2
2  =  2  2  2  2 T   (21T)
DC remains constant for small changes in 4 4 4
temperature-
A D  B 2 2 2
2  =  2  2  2  2 T   (21T)
4 4 4
 
2
2  2  2 T  ( 2  , T )
4
C 1 = 42
(A) 1 = 2 (B) 1 = 22
Q.4 Two holes of unequal diameters d1 and d2
1
(C) 1 = 42 (D) 1 = 2 (d1>d2) are cut in a metal sheet. If the sheet is
2
heated-
Sol.[C]
(A) Both d1 and d2 will decrease
A D   B (B) Both d1 and d2 will increase
(C) d1 will increase, d2 will decrease
 (D) d1 will decrease, d2 will increase
 
Sol.[B]

d2
C
Let length of each rod be . Given DC remains d1
constant for small changes in temperature so
DC = constant On heating distance between any two points on
 2
DC = constant a substance, increases. So, on heating metal
By Pythagoras theorem in ACD we get sheet, the holes will also expand and hence their
diameters also. In other words, thermal
DC2 = AC2 – AD2 expansion is equivalent to photographic
 AC2 – AD2 = constant enlargement, so each part of sheet expands.
AB2
 AC2 – = constant Q.5 Two bars of copper having same length but
4
Now for rise in temperature T we get unequal diameter are heated to the same
temperature. The change in length will be-
New length of AC =  2  (1   2 T ) 
(A) More in thinner bar
New length of AB =  1  (1  1T) (B) More in thicker bar
AB 2 2 (C) Same for both the bars
Initially, AC2  = 2  (D) Determined by the ratio of length and
4 4
diameter of the bars
AB 2
Finally, AC2  =  2 (1   2 T ) 2 Sol.[C] Change in length =  =   T
4
will be same for both as values of ,  and T
 2 (1  1T ) 2
– are same for both.
4
2 2
2  =  2 (1   2 T ) 2 – (1  1T) 2
4 4 Q.6 A metallic bar is heated from 0ºC to 100ºC.
As 2 T << 1 and 1 T << 1 so using The coefficient of linear expansion is 10–5 K–1.
binomial expansion What will be the percentage increase in
length-
2 2 (A) 0.01 % (B) 0.1 %
2  = 2 (1 +22T) – (1 + 2
4 4 (C) 1 % (D) 10 %
THERMAL EXPANSION 66
Sol. [B] Change in length =  (C) 92 cm and 62 cm
 (D) 62.25 cm and 32.25 cm
  = T = 10–5 × 100

 Sol. [A] Let length of brass rod at 0°C be 
  = 10–3

 Let length of brass rod at 0°C = + 30

% increase in length = × 100 As difference in lengths at all temperatures has

= 10–3 × 100 = 0.1 %  to be constant, so
11 = 2 2
Q.7 Two rods of lengths 1 and 2 are made of  (19 × 10–6) = (+ 30) × 11 × 10–6
materials whose coefficient of linear 19= 11+ 330
expansions are 1 and 2. If the difference
between two lengths is independent of 8 = 330
temperature- 330 165
= = = 41.25 cm
    8 4
(A) 1  1 (B) 1  2
 2 2  2 1  Length of steal rod =  + 30 = 41.25 + 30
12  22  = 71.25 cm
(C) 221 = 122 (D) 
1 2 Length of brass rod = = 41.25 cm 
Sol.[B] Initially,
  Q.9 A uniform metal rod is used as a bar
1 2 pendulum. If the room temperature rises by
Difference in length = S1 = 2 – 1 10ºC, and the coefficient of linear expansion
of the metal of the rod is 2 × 10–6 per ºC, the
On increasing temperature by T,
period of the pendulum will have percentage
increase of-
 1'  '2
(A) – 2 × 10–3 (B) – 1 × 10–3
 1' = 1(1 + 1T),  '2 = 2(1 + 2T)
–3
(C) 2 × 10 (D) 1 × 10–3

Difference in length = S2 =  '2 –  1'  T 

Sol. [D] Change in time period = T =  
 2 
 S2 = 2(1 + 2T) – 1(1 + 1T)
T  
 S2 = (2 – 1) + (22 – 11)T 
T 2
 S1 = S2
T
 2 – 1 = (2 – 1) + (22 – 11)T % change in time period =  100
T
 22 = 21
  2 10 –6  10
1  2 =  100 = × 100 = 10–3 %
=  2 2
 2 1

Q. 10 If a bimetallic strip is heated, it will

Q.8 The coefficient of linear expansion of steel
(A) bend towards the metal with lower
and brass are 11 × 10–6/ºC and 19 × 10–6/ºC
thermal expansion coefficient
respectively. If their difference in lengths at
(B) bend towards the metal with higher
all temperatures has to be kept constant at 30
cm, their lengths at 0ºC should be- thermal expansion coefficient
(A) 71.25 cm and 41.25 cm (C) not bend at all
(B) 82 cm and 52 cm (D) twist itself into a helix
THERMAL EXPANSION 77
Sol. [A] Sol. [B]
2 Brass 0°C Brass 100°C
II Lead Lead
I 2
80 cm 80 cm
 New length of brass rod
= 80 (1 + 2 × 10–5 × 100)cm
New length of lead rod
= 80 (1 + 1 × 10–5 ×100)cm
Difference in lengths = Separation b/w rods
II = 80 (1 + 2 × 10–3) – 80 ( 1 + 10–3)
I = 160 × 10–3 – 80 × 10–3

Clearly, rod with greater  is the rod II, so = 80 × 10–3 cm = 80 × 10–2 mm

bimetallic strip has bent towards metal with
smaller .
Had  for rod I been greater than, strip would
have bend as shown.

Q. 11 Two spheres of the same radius are made
from the same material. One is hollow and
the other is solid. If they are heated together
from 20°C to 100°C.
(A) both will expand equally
(B) hollow sphere will expand more
(C) solid sphere will expand more
(D) the relative expansion of solid and hollow
sphere depends on the material of sphere
Sol.[A] Radius R, Area A and volume V are same for
both the spheres initially on
temperature by T
R = R T, = V = VT
R, A, V are same for both spheres.
= 0.8 mm
Q.13 A solid object is placed in water contained in
an adiabatic container for some time. The
temperature of water falls during the period
and there is no appreciable change in the
shape of the object. The temperature of the
solid object-
(A) Must have increased
(B) Must have decreased
(C) May have increased
(D) May have remained constant
Sol. [A] In adiabatic container, no heat enters or leaves
the container, i.e. heat content of container
remains constant. Now as temperature of water
increasing falls, and no heat is supplied or extracted, so
Heat lost by water = heat gained by object.
So as object gains heat, its temperature must
have increased.

Q.12 A brass rod and a lead rod each 80.00 cm

Q.14 A vessel is partly filled with a liquid.
long at 0°C are clamped together at one end
Coefficient of cubical expansion of material
with their free ends coinciding. The
of the vessel and liquid are V and L
separation of the free ends of the rods if the
respectively. If the system is heated, then
system is placed in steam bath is (coefficients of
volume unoccupied by the liquid will
linear expansions of brass and lead are 2×10–5 /°C
necessarily-
and 1.0 × 10–5/°C respectively)
(A) 0.2 mm (B) 0.8 mm (A) Remain unchanged if V =  L
(C) 1.4 mm (D) 1.6 mm (B) Increase if V =  L

THERMAL EXPANSION 88
 (C) Decrease if V = L Q.16 At 4ºC, 0.98 of the volume of a body is
(D) None of these immersed in water. The temperature at which
Sol.[B]  T increasing so volume also increase the entire body gets immersed in water
(w = 3.3 × 10–4K–1) is (neglect the expansion
 of the body)-
Q.15 The volume of the bulb of a mercury (A) 40.8ºC (B) 65.8ºC
thermometer at 0ºC is V0 and cross-section of (C) 60.6ºC (D) 58.8ºC
the capillary is A0. The coefficient of linear Sol. [B] Let volume of water be V and density of water
expansion of glass is g perºC and the cubical at 4°C be d
expansion of mercury m per ºC. If the So initially,
For floatation (or equilibrium)
mercury just fills the bulb at 0ºC, what is the
W = Upthrust
length of mercury column in capillary at TºC-
W = 0.98V dg … (1)
V0 T (  m  3 g ) V0 T (  m – 3 g ) Now let the temperature at which entire body
(A) (B)
A 0 (1  2 g T ) A 0 (1  2 g T ) gets immersed in water be T and let density of
water at that temperature be dT
V0 T (  m  2 g ) V0 T (  m – 2 g ) So, for floatation (or equilibrium)
(C) (D)
A 0 (1  3 g T ) A 0 (1  3 g T ) W = VdTg … (2)
By (1) & (2),
Sol. [B] Volume of bulb of mercury thermometer at
0.98 Vdg = VdTg
0°C = V0 dT = 0.98d
Cross section area of capillary tube = A0 Now for water,
d0
Coefficient of linear expansion of glass = g dT =
1   W T
Coefficient of cubical expansion of mercury = m d
0.98 d =
As mercury initially just fills the tube so 1  3.3  10 – 4 (T  4)
0.98 [1 + 3.3 × 10–4 (T – 4) = 1
Volume of mercury at 0°C = V0
0.98 + 3.234 × 10–4 (T – 4) = 1
If the temperature is raised through T°C then 3.234 × 10–4 (T – 4) = 0.02
net change in volume of mercury in the tube 0.02
T–4=
3.234  10 – 4
= V0 (1 + HgT) –V0 (1 + bulb T)
T – 4 = 61.842
= V0mT – V0bulbT T = 65.842°C
= V0T (m –bulb) = V0T (m – 3g)
Q.17 A beaker is completely filled with water at
If coefficient of superficial expansion be  then 4°C. It must overflow -
AT = A0 (1 + T) (A) when heated but not when cooled
(B) when cooled but not when heated
AT = A0[1 + 2gT]
(C) both when heated or cooled
Volume V0 T(  m  3 g ) (D) neither when heated nor when cooled
Length = =
Area A 0 (1  2 g T) Sol. [C]

 Length of mercury column in tube at T°C

V0 T (  m – 3 g )
= 
A 0 (1  2 g T )

THERMAL EXPANSION 99
 d (C) In second case water overflows while in
first case it comes down
(D) Water overflows in both the cases
Sol. [D] Water overflows in both the cases. As on
heating above 4°C, or cooling below 4°C,
A°C density of water decreases. Hence in both the
T cases, volume of water increases for a given
mass. Thus, water overflows in both the cases.
Density of water is maximum at 4°C.On cooling
its density decreases, hence for a given mass
volume increases. Thus the water overflows. Q.21 An iron tyre is to be fitted onto a wooden
wheel 1.0 metre in diameter. The diameter of
Also, on heating above 4°C, its density again
the tyre is 6 mm, smaller than that of the
decreases, hence for a given mass, its volume
increases. Thus the water again overflows. wheel. The tyre should be heated so that its
temperature increases by a minimum of
(given coefficient of volume expansion of
Q.18 Co-efficient of cubical expansion of water is
iron is 3.6 × 10–5 /°C)
zero at-
(A) 167°C (B) 334°C
(A) 0°C (B) 4°C
(C) 500°C (D) 1000°C
(C) 15.5°C (D) 100°C
Sol. [B] Below 4°C, coefficient of volume expansion of Sol. [C] Diameter of wheel = 1 m = 
water is –ve. Above 4°C, coefficient of volume Diameter of tyre = (1 – 6 × 10–3) = 0
expansion of water is +ve. At 4°C  for water Let the increment of temperature required be
is 0. T, so
= 0(1 + T)
Q.19 A liquid having co-efficient of cubical
expansion () is filled in the container having  3.6  10 –5 
1 = (1 – 6 × 10–3) 1  T 
 3 
co-efficient of linear expansion  . If, on  
heating, the liquid overflows, then which of 1
= 1 + 1.2 × 10–5T
the following relations is correct? 0.994
(A)  = 2 (B)  < 3  1
– 1 = 1.2 × 10–5 T
 (C)  > 3  (D) 2 = 3 0.994
Sol. [C] The liquid will overflow if expansion in volume 0.006
of liquid is greater than expansion in volume of = T
0.994  1.2 10 – 5
container for same change in temperature i.e.
6  10 5 10
increment in volume of liquid T = ×
12  0.994 1000
> increment in volume of container
= 500°C
i.e. V T >V(3)T
or > 3
One or more than one correct
Part-B
answer type questions
Q.20 A beaker is filled with water at 4°C. at one
time the temperature is increased by few
degrees above C and at another time it is Q.22 Which of the following statements is correct ?
decreased by a few degrees below 4°C. One (A) Bimetal is used in metal thermometers
shall observe that- (B) Bimetal is used in thermostats for
(A) The level remains constant in each case regulating the heating or cooling of rooms
(B) In first case water flows while in second (C) Bimetal relays are used to open or close
case its level comes down electric circuits.
THERMAL EXPANSION 10
10
 (D) Bimetals are used to generate electricity 
Reason : a = r – g =  – 3   = 0.
Sol. [A,B,C] All these statements are facts.  3
Sol. [A] Assertion is true, as for level of liquid in vessel
Part-C Assertion-Reason type questions to remain unchanged both should expand by
equal amount on increasing temperature by T.
The following questions consists of two For it coefficient of volume expansion should
statements each, printed as Assertion and be same for both or
Reason. While answering these questions you  = V
are to choose any one of the following four

responses.   V  
3
(A) If both Assertion and Reason are true and
=
the Reason is correct explanation of the
Reason is also true.
Assertion.
(B) If both Assertion and Reason are true but
Reason is not correct explanation of the
Assertion. Part-D Column matching type questions
(C) If Assertion is true but the Reason is false.
Q.25 Column I Column II
(D) If Assertion is false but Reason is true.
(A) When temperature increases (P) Decrease
Q.23 Assertion : When a solid sphere is heated, then time period of pendulum
increase in its surface area is maximum. [rod is of metal]
Reason : Surface area involves expansion in (B) When temperature decreases (Q) Increase
two dimensions. then time period of pendulum
Sol. [D] Assertion is false, as increment is maximum is [rod is of metal]
volume. Since  > > . Reason is true as for (C) A cavity is inside of metal (R) Same
surface area involves expansion in two sphere then on increasing
dimensions. the temperature
(D) A hole in a circular plate (S) Can't say
Q.24 Assertion : When a liquid with coefficient of anything
cubical expansion  is heated in a vessel of T
Sol. = T
coefficient of linear expansion /3, the level T
of liquid in the vessel remains unchanged. A  (Q); B  (P); (C)  (Q); (D)  (S)

THERMAL EXPANSION 11
11
 EXERCISE # 3
barometer reads 75cm at 27ºC. What is the
Part-A Subjective Type Questions atmospheric pressure at 27ºC ?
Q.1 What should be lengths of steel and copper rod Sol. Here Br = 2 × 10–5 °C–1
so that the length of steel rod is 5 cm longer Apparent reading of barometer at 27°C = 75 cm.
than the copper rod at all temperatures ? Given that barometer reads correctly at 0°C. So
( for copper = 1.7 × 10–5 per ºC and  for at any temperature T other than 0°C.
steel = 1.1 × 10–5 perºC)
True value = Apparent value [1 +
Sol. Let length of steel rod be = St
At 27°C, True value = 75 [ 1 + 2 × 10–5 × 27]
Let length of copper rod be = cu = cu
= 75 [1 + 0.00054]
If temperature is increased by  then, = 75.04 cm
 'St   St (1 + St )
 'Cu   Cu (1 + Cu ) Q.4 A pendulum clock consists of an iron rod
connected to a small, heavy bob. If it is
 'St   'Cu = (St – cu) + (stst – cu cu)
designed to keep correct time at 20ºC, how
But  'st   'cu = st – cu  fast or slow will it go in 24 hours at 40ºC?
Coefficient of linear expansion of iron
 St st – cu cu = 0
= 1.2 × 10–5 /ºC
(cu + 5) × 1.1 × 10–5 = 1.7 × 10–5 × cu Sol. Here, Br = 1.2 × 10–5 °C–1
17 cu = 11 cu + 55 Initial temperature of rod = 20°C
55 Final temperature of rod = 40°C
cu = = 9.17 cm
6 As here the temperature is increasing so
st = cu + 5 = 9.17 + 5 = 14.17 cm pendulum rod will expand and hence as
T   so time period of pendulum will
Q.2 An iron tyre is to be fitted onto a wooden increase and clock will lose time, so
wheel 100 cm in diameter. The diameter of
1
the tyre is 5 mm smaller than that of the Loss in time interval t is given by = t
2
wheel. How much should the temperature of
the tyre be increased for this purpose?  for Time lost in 24 hrs
iron = 12 × 10–6 perºC 1
= × 1.2 × 10–5 × 24 × 60 × 60 × (40 – 20)
Sol. To fit the tyre, its diameter has to be increased 2
from 99.5 to 100. So let temperature to which 1
= × 1.2 × 20 × 24 × 60 × 60 × 10–5
tyre must be heated be T. 2
 = 0 [1 +  ] = 10.368 sec
Pendulum will be slow by = 10.4 sec after
100 = 99.5 [ 1 + 12 × 10–6 T] 24 hours
1.0050251 = 1 + 12 × 10–6 T 
0.0050251 Q.5 A composite rod is made by joining a copper
T= × 106 = 418.8°C rod to another rod of a different material but
12
of the same cross - section. At 25ºC, the
length of composite rod is 1.0m while that of
Q.3 The brass scale of a barometer gives correct copper rod is 30cm. At 125ºC, the length of
reading at 0ºC. Coefficient of linear composite rod increases by 1.91 mm. Find the
expansion of brass is 2 × 10–5/ºC. The

THERMAL EXPANSION 12
12
 coefficient of linear expansion of the second = 218.81°C  219°C
rod. ( for copper = 1.7 × 10–5 /ºC) 
Sol. At 25°C, cu = 30 cm, other = 70 cm Q.7 Two metal strips, one of brass and other of
steel are of equal length 1.5 m and equal
composite = 1 m, cu = 1.7 × 10–5 °C–1
thickness 0.25 cm. These are put together
At 125°C, composite = 100 + 0.191 = 100.191 cm riveted and clamped at one end at 0ºC as
shown in fig. If the temperature rises to 50ºC,
composite = [cu (1 + cu) – cu] calculate the radius of curvature of the
combined strip.  for brass is 19 × 10–6/ºC, 
+ [other (1 + other) – other]
for steel = 11 × 10–6/ºC.
= cu cuotherother
Brass
 0.191 = (30 × 1.7 × 10–5 + 70 other) (125 – 25) Steel
0.191 Sol.
= 51 × 10–5 + 70 other
100
Brass (A)
1.91 × 10–3 = 31 × 10–5 + 70 other
Steel (B)
1.91 10 –3 – 0.51 10 –3
other = Brass

70 RA
Steel RB
1.4  10 –3
= = 2 × 10–5 °C–1 O
70
When temperature rises from 50°C to 100°C
then the two strips expand, the expansions being
Q.6 An aluminium plate fixed in a horizontal different due to different coefficients of
position has a hole of diameter 2.0 cm. A steel expansions (Brass > Steel). This causes
sphere of diameter 2.005 cm rests on this hole. bimetallic strip as a whole to bend into arc.
All the lengths refer to a temperature of 10ºC. Let R be the mean radius of curvature
The temperature of entire system is slowly The lengths of two strips at temperature of 50°C
increased. At what temperature will the ball fall are
down? Coefficient of linear expansion of LA = L0(1 + AT) … (1) {T = 50°}
aluminium is 23 × 10–6 /ºC and that of steel is
LB = L0(1 + B T) … (2)
11 × 10–6/ ºC.
If RA and RB are radii of curvature of two strips
Sol. The hole will expand to slightly greater extent
then LA = RA, LB = RB .... (3)
then the steal sphere as
Where  is common angle in radians intercepted
A>St by two strips.
The sphere will fall down when its diameter  LA – LB =  (RA – RB)
becomes just equal to that of hole (as afterwards LA  LB L (  –  B ) T
or = = 0 A 
hole will expand more) RA  RB RA  RB
Let required temperature be T. But RA – RB = d (d = thickness of each strip)
Dsphere = DHole L 0 (  A   B ) T
= … (4)
–6
2.005 [1 +11 × 10 (T – 10)] d
= 2 [1 + 23 × 10–6 (T – 10)] Adding (1) and (2),
LA + LB = 2L0 + L0 (A + B) T ...(5)
 0.005 = (46 – 22.055) × 10–6 (T – 10)
From (3) and (5),
0.005 10 6  (RA +RB) = 2 L0 + L0 (A + B) T
T= + 10
23.945

THERMAL EXPANSION 13
13
 2L 0  L 0 ( A   B )T = 17.03 – 16.76 = 0.27 cm
RA + RB =

R  RB Q.9 A clock with a metallic pendulum is 5
Mean radius = A
2 seconds fast each day at a temperature of
2L 0  L 0 ( A   B )T 15ºC and 10 second slow at a temperature of
=
2 30ºC. Find  for the pendulum metal.
Putting value of  from (4) we get
Sol. Let pendulum gives correct time at temperature
2 L 0  L 0 (  A   B ) T T and its coefficient of linear expansion = 
R=
2L 0 ( A –  B )T
Now loss or gain in time period of pendulum in
d
=
2  ( A   B )T d time t =
1
t
2
2( A   B )T
Pendulum clock is 5 second fast at 15°C, so
[2  (19  10 –6  11  10 –6 )  50](0.25  10 –2 )
= 1
2(19  10 – 6  11  10 6 )  (50  0) 5=  (T – 15)t … (1)
2
(2.0015)  0.25  10 –2
= Pendulum clock is 10 second slow at
16  10 6  50 temperature 30°C, so
= 6.25 m
1
10 =  (30 – T)t … (2)
Q.8 A 30 cm long cylinder floats vertically in 2
mercury at 0ºC. If the temperature rises to ( 2) 30  T
 2=
100°C, find the increase in length of the (1) T  15
cylinder under mercury. The density of 2T – 30 = 30 – T
mercury at 0ºC = 13.6g/cm3, density of iron at
60
0ºC = 7.6g/cm3, coefficient of volume T= = 20°C
3
expansion of mercury = 1.82 × 10–4/ºC and
coefficient of cubical expansion of iron = 1
By (1), 5 =  (20 – 15)t
3.51 × 10–5 / ºC 2
Sol. At 0°C, let V, L, A and  be respectively the 1
volume, length, area and density of cylinder. 5 =  (5) × 86400
2
for equilibrium of cylinder
Fbuoyancy = weight of cylinder ( t = time = 1 day = 86400 sec)
Vsubmerged Hgg = VTotal cylinder cylinder g
2
A cylinder submerged Hg = Acylinder cylinder cylinder = = 2.31 × 10–5 °C–1
86400
 cylinder  cylinder
  submerged =
 Hg
Q.10 There are two spheres of same radius and
30 7.6 material at same temperature but one being
= = 16.76 cm
13.6
solid while the other hollow. Which sphere
Similarly at 100°C,
will expand more if (a) they are heated to the
 'cylinder  'cylinder
 'submerged  same temperature (b) same heat is given to
 'Hg them ?
 3.51 10 –5  7 .6 Sol. (a) Change in volume = V = V
301   100  –5
=  3  1  3.51 10 100  As here V, ,  are same for both, so if
13.6 both are heated to same temperature, so
1  1.82  10 – 4  100 expansion is equal for both.
= 17.03 cm Note : As thermal expansion of isotropic
Increase in length of cylinder under mercury
solids is similar to photographic
THERMAL EXPANSION 14
14
 enlargement expansion of cavity is the same 1.454 × 10–3 = 3 × 10–6 × 11 × T
as if it had been a solid of same material).
1.454 10 –3
Q T = = 44.06 °C
(b) Now Q = ms   = 33  10 – 6
ms

mHollow < mSolid, so  for hollow sphere is
Q.12 Two straight thin bars one of brass and the other
greater and hence hollow sphere expands
of steel are joined together at 0ºC side by side
more.
by short steel cross - pieces one cm long, the
centre lines of the brass being one cm apart.
Q.11 A mass of 2 kg is suspended from a fixed
When heated to 100ºC, the composite bar
point by a wire of length 3m and diameter 0.5
becomes bent into the arc of a circle. Calculate
mm. Initially the wire is just unstressed, the
the radius of this circle.  for brass =19×10–6 /°C
mass resting on a fixed support. By how
and  for steel = 11 × 10–6 /°C
much must the temperature fall if the mass is
Sol.
to be entirely supported by the wire ? (Y of
wire = 206 GPa,  = 11 × 10–6 ºC–1)
Sol. Here, mass = m = 2 kg Brass(A) 1cm
Length of wire through which mass is Steel (B) 1cm 
(A)
suspended =  = 3m
(B)
Diameter of wire = d = 5 × 10–4 m
Consider the solution of ans. no.13, we will get
Ywire = 200 GPa = 200 × 109 N/m2 the same expression for radius,
Coefficient of linear expansion of wire [2  ( A   B )T ]d
R=
= wire = 11 × 10–6 °C–1 2( A   B )T
Stress F/A F Here, A = 19 × 10–6 /°C
Y= =   =
Strain  /  AY B = 11 × 10–6/°C, T = 100°C
In this case, force which stretches the wire is the d = 1 cm = 10–2 m
weight (mg) of body, [2  (30  10 –6 )  100]10 –2
=
Let temperature fall required so that mass is 2(8  10 – 6 )  100
entirely supported by wire be T
2.003  10 2
 wire  F = m
wire = 16 10  4
A wire Ywire
= 0.1251875 × 102 m
3  mg = 1251.875 cm
= 2
d
   206  109
2 Q.13 A one litre glass flask contains some mercury.
3  2  9.8 It is found that at different temperatures the
= 2 volume of air inside the flask remains the
5 
3.14   10 – 4   206  109 same. What is the volume of mercury in this
2 
flask if coefficient of linear expansion of
6  9.8
wire = glass is 9 × 10–6 / ºC while that of volume
3.14  6.25  206  10 98
expansion of mercury is 1.8 × 10–4 / ºC ?
58.8
wire = = 1.454 × 10–3 m Sol. Let volume of mercury in the flask V. Given
4642.75  10 that, volume of flask = VF = 1 litre
Also, wire =    Hg = 1.8 × 10–4 °C–1, f = 3g = 27 × 10–6 °C–1

THERMAL EXPANSION 15
15
 As volume of air inside the flask remains same Cross –sectional area of rod = A = 0.8 × 10–4 m2
at different temperature, this implies flask and = 10–5 K–1, V = 2 × 1011 N/m2
mercury expand at same rate, so Let force required to stretch the rod be F
Expansion of flask = Expansion of Hg F/A    
y=  F = YA = YA
air  /   
= YA
= 2 × 1011 × 0.8 × 10–4 × 10–5 × 10
= 1.6 × 103 N

Vff = VHg Q.16 A steel rod of length 40cm and a copper rod
1 27  10 –6 of length 36cm, both of same diameter, are
V= = 15 × 10–2 litre
1.8  10  4 placed end-to-end between two rigid
= 150 × 10–3 litre = 150 cc supports, with no initial stress in the rods. The
temperature of the rods is now raised to 50ºC.
Q.14 A steel wire of cross section area 0.5 mm2 is What is the stress in each rod ?
held between two fixed supports. If the Ysteel = 2 × 1011 N/m2
tension in the wire is negligible, and it is just steel = 12 × 10–6K–1
taut at a temperature of 20ºC determine the
Ycopper = 13 × 1010 N/m2
tension when the temperature falls to 0ºC.
copper = 17 × 10–6 K–1
Assume the distance between supports to be
Sol. Length of steel rod = LS = 40 cm
the same. Length of copper = LCu = 36 cm
(Y = 2.1 × 1012 dynes/cm2: = 12 × 10–6 perºC) Ysteel = 13 × 1010 N/m2, Cu = 17 × 10–6 K–1
Sol. Cross sectional area of wire Here on increasing temperature rods will try to
= A = 0.5 × 10–2 m2 expand but due to pressure of rigid ends they
will also be compressed some what, but final
Initial temperature of wire = 20°C
length will come out same as original length.
Final temperature of wire = 0°C
(i) Expansion of rods :  = 
Young's modulus = Y = 2.1 × 1012 dynes
Coefficient of linear expansion =  = 12 × 10-6 °C–1 S = 40 × 12 × 10–6 × 50 cm = 24 × 10–5 m
Let tension is string when temperature falls to cu = 36 × 17 × 10–6 × 50 cm = 30.6 × 10–5 m
0°C be F, So
(ii) Compression of rods :
stress F / A F/A
Y= = = stress Stress
Strain  /   Y  Strain =
strain Y

 stress
 F = AY 
 Y
F = 0.5 × 10–2 × 2.1 × 1012 × (20 – 0) × 12 × 10–6
S
= 2.1 × 0.5 × 12 × 20 × 1012–2–6  = 
Y
= 252 × 104 dynes
S
= 2.52 × 106 dynes For steel rod, CS = × 0.4 m
2  1011

S
Q.15 A steel rod 25 cm long has a cross sectional For copper rod, CCu =  0.36 m
13  1010
area of 0.8 cm2. What force would be But as new length = original length
required to stretch this rod by the same
New length of steel rod = + S – CS
amount as the expansion produced by heating
S  0.4
it through 10ºC? = 0.4 + 24 × 10–5 –
2  1011
( = 10–5 K–1 and Y = 2 × 1011 N/m2)
New length of copper rod = +Cu –CCu
Sol. Length of rod = L = 0.25 m
THERMAL EXPANSION 16
16
 S  0.36 d0
= 0.36 + 30.6 × 10–5 – dT =
13  1010 1  
But as total length remains unchanged d2 d2
0.4S  d1 = =
 0.4 + 0.36 = 0.4 + 24 × 10–5  1   m (100  0) 1  100  m
2  1011
d2 = d1(1 + 100 m)
–5 0.36 S hd1 = hA (1 + 100 m)d1
+ 0.36 + 30.6 × 10 –
13 1010 h = hA (1 + 100 m) = 1 + 100 × 1.8 × 10–4
 0 .4 0.36  h = 95 (1 + 0.018) = 96.71 cm
54.6 × 10–5 =  11
 S
 2  10 13  1010 
54.6 × 10–5 = (0.2 × 10–11 + 0.0276 × 10–10)S  Q.18 A barometer having a brass scale reads 76.6
5
54.6 10 cm at a temperature of 20ºC. What would be
S=
(0.2  0.0276)  10 10 the reading at 0ºC? At 0ºC, scale gives correct
= 1147 × 105 = 1.147 × 108 N/m2 reading.
( for mercury = 1.8 × 10–4/ºC,  for brass
Q.17 A U-tube of uniform cross-section through = 0.2 × 10–4/ºC)
out contains mercury. The height of mercury Sol. Since true value = apparent value [1 + 
column in right hand limb is 95cm which is So, for brass scale at temperature 20°C
maintained at 0ºC. If the left hand limb is at
0.2  10 –4
100ºC, find the height of mercury column in True value = 76.6 [1 + × 20]= 76.61 cm
3
it. The coefficient of cubical expansion of
Assuming mass of mercury column remains
mercury is 1.8 × 10–4 /ºC. Neglect the
constant, we get
expansion of glass.
Sol. Mass of Hg column at 20°C
= Mass of Hg column at 0°C
B A
= V2020 = V00
95cm
(All V and  are true values)
Assuming area of cross section remains constant
we get
 20  20 0 1
X Y 0 = = 76.61 ×
0 1   ( 20 )  0
Level of Hg column in A = hA = 0.95 m
Temperature of column A = 0°C 76.61
= = 76.335 cm
Let level of Hg in column be hB 1  1.8  10 – 4  20
Temperature of column B = 100°C
Coefficient of cubical expansion of mercury
Q.19 A steel ball initially at a pressure of 1 × 105
= m = 1.8 × 10–4 °C–1
Pa is heated from 20ºC to 120ºC keeping its
Let there are two points X and Y as shown in
figure volume constant. Find the pressure inside the
PX = P Y ball. Coefficient of linear expansion of steel
P + hd1g = P + hAd2g = 12 × 10–6 / ºC and bulk modulus of steel
hd1 = hAd2
= 1.6 × 1011 N/m2.
As column B is at higher temperature so density
of Hg in it is lower as compared to that in P
Sol. Bulk modulus =
column or density at point X is lower than V / V
density at point Y.

THERMAL EXPANSION 17
17
 P Q.21 A piece of metal weighs 46 gm in air, when it
B=
VT is immersed in a liquid of specific gravity
V 1.24 at 27ºC it weights 30 gm. When the
P temperature of the liquid is raised to 42ºC, the
B=
T metal piece weighs 30.5 gm. The specific
P = BT = 1.6 × 1011 × 3 × 12×10–6 gravity of the liquid at 42ºC is 1.2. Calculate
the coefficient of linear expansion of the
× (120 – 20)
metal.
= 57.6 × 107 = 5760 × 105
Sol. Let volume of metal piece be V1 at t10 C(27C)
5 5
Pf – 1 × 10 = 5760 × 10
and V2 at t 02 C (= 42°C)
Pf = 5760 × 105 + 1 × 105 = 5761 × 105
= 5.761 × 108 Pa  5.8 × 108 Pa Given weight of metal piece in liquid at 27°C = 30g .
As weight of metal piece in air = 46 g, hence
loss of weight of metal piece in liquid = 46 – 30
Q.20 A barometer having a steel scale reads 755 mm
= 16g = weight of liquid displaced = Volume of
on a day when the temperature is 25ºC. If the
scale is correctly graduated at 0ºC. Find the true liquid displaced × density

pressure read on the scale at 0ºC, given that 16

16 = V1 × 1.24 or V1 = cm3
coefficient of linear expansion of steel is 1.24
12 × 10–6 /ºC and coefficient of absolute 46  30.5 15.5 3
Similarly, V2 = = cm
expansion of mercury is 182 × 10–6 /ºC. 1.2 1.2
Sol. Since, True value = apparent value [1+ ] Now, V42 = V27 (1 + )
So for steel scale at temperature 25°C,
V2 = V1(1 + ) = V1(1 +  × 15)
–6
True value = 755 [1 + 12 × 10 × 25]mm =
V2 15.5 / 1.2
755.2265 mm 1 + 15 = = = 1.00100
V1 16 / 1.24
Mass of Hg column at 25°C = Mass of Hg
 = 6.7 × 10–5/°C
column at 0°C

V25V00 = = 2.23 × 10–5/°C
3
A25 25 25 =A0 0 0

Assuming area of cross section remains constant Q.22 A glass vessel filled with mercury at a

we get
temperature, of 0ºC upto its edges weighs
1kg. The empty vessel weighs 0.1Kg. Find
  755.2265 0
0 = 25 25 =  the amount of mercury which can be
0 0 1   Hg (25)
contained in vessel at 100ºC.
755.2265 (a) neglecting the expansion of glass.
=
1  1.82  10 –4
 25 (b) by considering the expansion of glass
Given  for mercury is 1.8 × 10–4/ºC and 
755.2265
= = 751.843 mm
1.00455 g = 3 × 10–5/ºC
Sol. Expelled mass = Expelled volume of
Hg × density of Hg at 100°C
THERMAL EXPANSION 18
18
 d0 Passage I (Question 23 to 26)
= V ×
1   Hg (100) Solids and liquids both expand on heating.
(a) In this case, expelled volume of Hg The density of substance decreases on
= V0 [1+ Hg (100)] – V0 expanding according to the relation
V = V0 Hg (100) 1
Expelled mass
2 =
1   (T2  T1 )
d0 where 1  density at T1
= V0 Hg (100) ×
1   Hg (100)
2  density at T2
  Hg (100) 
= V0d0     coeff. of volume expansion of substances
1   Hg (100)  when a solid is submerged in a liquid, liquid
Now at 0°C, mass of glass vessel = 0.1 kg exerts an upward force on solid which is
mass of mercury = 0.9 kg
equal to the weight of liquid displaced by
   For Hg, V0d0 = 0.9
submerged part of solid.
Hence, expelled mass
Solid will float or sink depends on relative
1.8  10 –4 (100)
= 0.9 × densities of solid and liquid.
1  1.8  10 – 4  100
1.62 A cubical block of solid floats in a liquid with
= × 10–2
1.018 half of its volume submerged in liquid as
= 1.591 × 10–2 kg shown in figure (at temperature T)
= 0.0159 kg
 Mass of Hg remaining is vessel = 0.9 – 0.0159
= 0.884 kg
(b) In this case,
Expelled volume = [V0(1 + Hg ) – V0]
S  coeff of linear expansion of solid
– [V0 (1 + V)–V0]
  V0(Hg – V) L  coeff of volume expansion of liquid
   Expelled mass = Expelled volume × density S  density of solid at temp. T
of Hg at 100°C L  density of liquid at temp. T
d0
= V0(Hg – V) ×
1   Hg 
Q.23 The relation between densities of solid and
 (  Hg   V )(100) 
= V0d0   liquid at temperature T is
 1   Hg (100)  (A) S = 2L (B) S = (1/2)L
 (1.8  0.3) 10  100 
–4
(C) S = L (D) S = (1/4)L
= 0 .9  –4 
 1  1.8 10 100  Sol.[B] F.B.D. of solid
VSLg
0.9  1.5  10 2
=
1.018
= 0.01326 Kg
 Mass of mercury remaining in vessel
mg
= 0.9 – 0.01326 = 0.8867 kg
For equilibrium of solid at temperature T,
mg = VSLg (VS = volume submerged )
V
Part-B Passage based objective questions VS = L
2

THERMAL EXPANSION 19
19
 1 Initial fraction = Fraction at any temperature T
S = L 
2 1 1  1   L T 
  
2 2  1   S T 
Q.24 If temperature of system increases, then 1 + LT = 1 +ST
fraction of solid submerged in liquid  L = S, L = 3S
(A) increases 
(B) decreases Q.26 If the depth of the block submerged in the
(C) remains the same liquid does not change on increasing
(D) inadequate information temperature then
Sol.[A] At any temperature T, for equilibrium of solid, (A) L = 2S (B) L = 3S
mg = VS'  'L g (C) L = (3/2)S (D) L = (4/3)S
L
S' VS' Sol.[A] Initially, length submerged =
V ' S' g = VS'  'L g   2
 'L V'
For equilibrium at temperature T,
or fraction submerged
mg = Vs'  'L g
S' S 1   L T
= = . V ' s' = VS'  'L
 'L 1   S T L
S L L
1 AL = A
L  1   L T  1   S T 2 1   L T
= 2 
 1   T 

L S L L
 S  L(1 +ST) =
1  3 S T 2 1   L T
1  1   L T 
=   S (1   S T) 1
2  1   S T  =
 L (1  3 S T) 2(1   L T )
1
= (1 + LT) (1 + ST)–1 1 1
2 (1 + ST) (1 + 3ST)–1 = (1 +LT)–1
2 2
1 (1 + ST) (1 – 3ST) = (1 – LT)
= [1 + LT] [1 – ST]
2 (By binomial theorem)
1 Now (ST) since it is very small
2
= [ 1 + (L – S)T]
2 1 – 2ST = 1 – LT 
[Neglecting higher powers] 1 – 2ST – 3(S2 = 1 – L T
So, clearly on increasing temperature, fraction L = 2S
submerged increases.

Passage II (Question 27 to 29)

Q.25 If fraction submerged does not change on
Most of solid and liquid expand on heating
increasing temperature the relation between
suppose there is a requirement of solid which
L and S is
contract on heating, but no material is
(A) L = 3S (B) L = 2S available which contracts on heating as per
(C) L = 4S (D) L = (3/2) S the requirements and can bear other industrial
V/2 1 process effectively.
Sol.[A] Initially fraction submerged = 
V 2 To do that we take two strips of different
At any temperature T, fraction submerged
material of different length as shown
 
= 1  1   L T 
2  1   S T 


If fraction submerged does not change with

temperature, then

THERMAL EXPANSION 20
20
 L2 Sol.[C] If K be the equivalent coefficient for linear
 L1 – L2 expansion for difference in length of system
then

S S  S
L1 K = =
ST S(T – T0 )
Difference in length of strips can be either (L11  L 2  2 )(T  T0 )
=
increases or decreases on heating by changing S(T – T0 )
the length of strips L1 & L2. L11  L 2  2
So difference in length of strips can be used =
S
for the purpose as contracting after heating
Here Q.29 If L2 = 1m, L1 = 1.2 m and 2 = 6 × 10–5 K–1
S' = S – (L22 – L11) (T – T0) then value of 1 for the difference in length to
Here be decrease as temp increases.
S' = Difference in length of strips at
(A) 1 > 5 × 10–5 K–1 (B) 1 < 5 × 10–5 K–1
temperature T
(C) 1 = 5 × 10–5 K–1 (D) any value of 1
S = Difference in length of strips at temp T0
Sol.[B] For difference in length to decrease as
1, 2 = Coefficient of linear expansion of strips temperature increases,
1 & 2. Here as the temperature increase S' will K<0
decrease and its value depending on the value L11  L 2  2
<0
of (L22 – L11) S
  L11 < L2 2
Q.27 Coefficient of linear expansion of difference 1.2 1 < (1) (6 × 10–5)
1 < 5 × 10–5 K–1
in length is

(A) Positive if L1 1 is smaller than L22
(B) negative if L11 is smaller than L22
(C) Positive if L11 is equal to L22
(D) none of these
Sol.[B] S = S – (L22 – L11) (T – T0)
= S + (L11 – L22) (T – T0)
or S > S if L11 > L22
S < S if L1 1 < L2 2
i.e. difference in length, increases if L11 > L22
and decreases if L11 < L22
So clearly coefficient of linear expansion for
difference in length is +ve if L11 > L22 and
–ve if L11 < L22.

Q.28 What is the equivalent coefficient of linear

expansion of difference in length of the
system.
(A) L11 – L22 (B) L22 – L11
L11 – L 2  2 L 2  2 – L11
(C) (D)
S S

THERMAL EXPANSION 21
21
 EXERCISE # 4
But RA – RB = d ( d = thickness of each strip)
 IIT-JEE questions
L 0 (  B   C ) T
Q.1 A bimetallic strip is formed out of two = … (4)
d
identical strips, one of copper and the other of
Adding (1) and (2),
brass. The coefficient of linear expansion of
the two metals are C and B. On heating, the LA + LB = 2L0 + L0 (B + C) T … (5)
temperature of the strip goes up by T and From (3) and (5),
the strip bends to form an arc of radius of
 (RA +RB) = 2 L0 +L0 (B + C) T
curvature R. Then R is– [IIT–1999]
(A) Proportional to T 2 L 0  L 0 (  B   C ) T
RA + RB =
(B) Inversely proportional to T 

(C) Proportional to |B – C| RA  RB

Mean radius =
(D) Inversely proportional to |B – C| 2

Sol. [B,D] 2 L 0  L 0 (  B   C ) T
=
2
A
B 2 L 0  L 0 (  B   C ) T
=
2[L 0 ( B –  C )T]
Brass(A)
 RA d
Copper(B
RB
)
=
2  ( B   C )Td
O
2( B   C )T
Let R be the mean radius of curvature
2 (   C )Td
The lengths of two strips at higher temperature = + B
2( B   C )T 2( B   C )T
T + T are
1 (   C )d
= + B
LA = L0(1 + AT) … (1) ( B   C )T 2( B   C )

LB = L0 (1 + C T) … (2) But B – C or B + C  10–5 

If RA and RB are radii of curvature of two strips 1

Hence, R 
(  B   C ) T
then LA = RA, LB = RB... (3)
1 1
Where  is common angle in radians intercepted R and R 
( B   C ) T
by the strips.

 LA – LB =  (RA – RB)
Q.2 When a block of iron floats in mercury at
L  LB 0ºC, a fraction k1 of its volume is submerged,
or = A
RA  RB while at the temperature 60ºC, a fraction k2 is

L 0 (  B –  C ) T seen to be submerged. If the coefficient of

= 
RA  RB volume expansion of iron is Fe, and that of

THERMAL EXPANSION 22
22
 mercury Hg, then the ratio k1/k2 can be  a =s
expressed as – [IIT–2000]  1at = 2 st
1  60 Fe 1 – 60 Fe  2 a  
(A) (B)    2  1  a  1
1  60 Hg 1  60 Hg 1 s 1 s
1  60 Fe 1  60 Hg  2  1  a   s 1 s
(C) (D)     
1 – 60 Hg 1  60 Fe 1 s 1   2  a  s

Sol.[A] Let mass of block be m

and density of Hg (initially) be = d1 Q.4 A cubical block of coefficient of linear
and initial volume of block be = V1 expansion s is submerged partially inside a
liquid of coefficient of volume expansion .
Volume of block submerged = k1V1 On increasing the temperature of the system
So for equilibrium, V1k1d1g = mg
by T, the height of the cube inside the liquid
 m = V1k1d1 … (1)
remains unchanged. Find the relation between
at T = 60° C,
s and . [IIT-2004]

Volume of block = V2 = V1[1 + 60Fe] Sol. Initially at temperature T

d1 FB = mg
Density of Hg = d2 =
1   Hg (60) A x g = A Lbg
Volume of block submerged = V2k2 FB
At T
For equilibrium, mg = V2k2d2g
m = V 2k 2d 2 b 
x
V (1  60 Fe )
m= 1 d1k2 '
(1  60 Hg ) mg
V1 (1  60 Fe )d1k 2 
 = V1k1d1
1   Hg (60)  x = Lb ... (i)
k1 1  60 Fe At temperature T + T
 
k 2 1  60 Hg FB'

Q.3 Two rods one of aluminium and the other b 

x
made of steel, having initial length 1 and 2
' mg
are connected together to form a single rod of
length 1 + 2 . The coefficients of linear FB' = mg

expansion for aluminimum and steel are A x  ' g = A L bg

aand s respectively. If the length of each [mg remains the same as above]
rod increases by the same amount when their Now, A = A (1 + 2sT)
temperature are raised by t°C, then find the  '    (1 –   T )

ratio 1/(1 + 2) – [IIT–2003]  A (1 + 2 s T) x (1 – T)g = ALb g

(A) s / a (B) a/s  x (1 + 2s T) (1 – T) = Lb

(C) s /(a + s) (D) a /(a + s)  x (1 + 2s T) (1 – T) = x
Sol.[C] The lengths of each rod increases by the same  1 + 2s T – 
amount
THERMAL EXPANSION 23
23
  s

Q.5 A cylinder of mass 1 kg is given heat of 20,000

J at atmospheric pressure. If initially the
temperature of cylinder is 20ºC, find -
(s = 400 J/kg-ºC,  = 9 × 10–5/ºC,  = 9000
kg/m3, P0 = 105 N/m2) [IIT-2005]
(a) Final temperature of the cylinder.
(b) Work done by the cylinder.
(c) Change in internal energy of the cylinder
Sol. (a) Heat supplied to the cylinder = Energy used
to raise the temperature of cylinder + Energy
used for work done by the cylinder.
Energy used to raise the temperature = mcT
= 1 × 400 × (T – 20) ....(i)
Where TºC is the final temperature of the
cylinder energy used for work done
= Patm(V2 – V1)
= 105 (V2 – V1) ....(ii)
The final volume V2 = V1 [1 + (T – 20)]
 V2 – V1 = V1 (T – 20) ....(iii)
From (ii) and (iii)
Energy used for work done = 105 V1 (T – 20)
1  m 1 
= 105 × × 9 × 10–5(T–20)  V1   
9000  d 9000 
= 0.001 (T – 20)
 Heat supplied to the cylinder
= 400 (T – 20) + 0.001 (T – 20)
20,000 = 400.001 (T – 20)
 T = 69.99ºC Ans.
(b) Work done = 0.001 (69.99 – 20)
= 0.0499 J Ans.
(c) Change in internal energy
= 20,000 – 0.0499
= 19999.95 J Ans.

THERMAL EXPANSION 24
24
 EXERCISE # 5(ARCHIVES)
(as hB = hC = h)

 Old IIT-JEE questions 5 h  h1

=
 95 h  h2
Q.1 The apparatus shown in the figure consists of
49  52.8 101.8
four glass columns connected by horizontal = = = 1.018
49  51 100
sections. The height of two central columns B
and C are 49 cm each. The two outer columns 0 (1  95 )
. = 1.018
A and D are open to atmosphere. A and C are [1  5 ] 0
maintained at a temperature of 95ºC while the 0.018 0.018
columns B and D are maintained at 5ºC. The  = =
95 – 5  1.018 89.91
height of the liquid in A and D measured
 = 2 × 10–4 /°C
from the base line are 52.8 cm and 51cm
respectively. Determine the coefficient of
thermal expansion of the liquid. Q.2 A thin rod of negligible mass and area of
[IIT-1997] cross-section 4 × 10–6m2, suspended vertically
from one end, has a length of 0.5m at 100ºC.
The rod is cooled to 0ºC but prevented from
A B C D contracting by attaching a mass at the lower
95° end. Find
5° 95° 5°
(i) this mass, and (ii) the energy stored in the
rod. Given for the rod, Young's modulus =
Sol. PR = PS  P0 + 95h1g = PP + 5hg 1011N/m2, Coefficient of linear expansion

 PP = P0 + (95h1g) – (5hg)
= 10–5K–1 and g = 10m/s2. [IIT-1997]
L
Similarly, PQ = P0 + (95h2g) – (5hg) Sol. Strain = =  = 10–5 × 102 = 10–3
L
D
Stress = Y × strain = 1011 × 10–3 = 108 N/m2
P Q
h1 h2 F Mg A(stress)
B C
h Stress =  M=
5°C 95°C A A g

R S 4 10 –6  108
M= = 40 kg
As liquid in horizontal portion PQ is at rest. 10
Gauge pressure at P and Q will be equal. So if Further as in case of elasticity
P0 is atmospheric pressure. Energy 1
=  Stress  Strain
P0 + (ghA)95 – (ghB)5 Volume 2

= P0 + (ghD)5 – (ghC)95 Energy 1 1

  108  10 – 3 =  10 5 J / m 3
Volume 2 2
5 (h2 + h) = 95 (h1 + h)

THERMAL EXPANSION 25
25
 1
Volume of rod = A ×  = 4 × 10–6 ×
2

= 2 × 10–6 m3

1
Energy = × 105 × 2 × 10–6 = 0.1 J
2

THERMAL EXPANSION 26
26