Answered

A steel beam being used in the construction of a skyscraper has a length of 38.000 m when delivered on a cold day at a temperature of 11.000°F. What is the length of the beam when it is being installed later on a warm day when the temperature is 87.000°F? (Give your answer to at least five significant figures.)

Answer :

Answer:

length of the Steel beam = 39.00327 m  

Explanation:

Linear expansivity(∝) of a metal : Is defined as an increase in length per unit length for one degree rise in temperature.

It is express mathematically as

∝= (L₁-L₂)/(L₁ΔT)........................ Equation 1

∴ L₂ = L₁ + (1 + ∝ΔT)....................... Equation 2

Where ∝ = linear expansivity of the metal ( K⁻¹), L₁ = Initial length (m), L₂ = Final length ( m )

  L₁- L₂ =  ΔL = Change in length of the metal ( m )

  ΔT = T₂ - T₁ ( K )

∴ L₂ = L₁ + (1 + ∝ΔT)....................... Equation 2

The linear expansivity of steel = 11 × 10⁻⁶ ( K⁻¹),

L₁ = 38.00 m , ΔT = 87 - 11 = 76 °F

Conversion

°F to Kelvin =  K = 5/9 (° F - 32) + 273

T(K) = 5/9 (76-32) + 273

T(K) = 5/9(44) + 273

T (K) = 297.44 K

substituting these values into equation 2

L₂ = 38 + (1 + {11×10⁻⁶× 297.44})

L₂ = 38 + (1 + 0.00327)

L₂ = 38 + (1.00327)

L₂ = 39.00327 m.

Therefore, length of the Steel beam = 39.00327 m