fbpx

Volume expansion – problems and solutions

Linear expansion is experienced only by solid objects; volume expansion is experienced by all objects, both solid, liquid, and gas. The equation of volume expansion is similar to the equation of linear expansion.

Volume expansion 1

Description: Vo = Initial volume, V = Final volume, ΔV = V – Vo = The change in volume, To = Initial temperature, T = Final temperature, ΔT = T – To = The change in temperature, β = the coefficient of volume expansion. Unit of β = (Co) -1

See also  Types of electric charges – problems and solutions

Volume expansion 2

Volume expansion 3

Volume expansion 4

The above volume expansion equation applies only when the changes in the volume of the objects (both solid, liquid, and gas) are smaller than the original volume of the object. If the change in volume of an object is greater than the initial volume of the object, the equation of the volume expansion does not give the right results. Usually, the changes in volume experienced by solid objects are not too large. Conversely, the coefficient of volume expansion of the liquid and gas is large. The coefficient of volume expansion for gaseous substances is also easy to change if the temperature changes. Therefore the formula above is used only for the expansion of solid objects.

See also  Compound microscope – problems and solutions

1. At 30 oC the volume of an aluminum sphere is 30 cm3. The coefficient of linear expansion is 24 x 10-6 oC-1. If the final volume is 30.5 cm3, what is the final temperature of the aluminum sphere?

Known :

The coefficient of linear expansion (α) = 24 x 10-6 oC-1

The coefficient of volume expansion (β) = 3 α = 3 x 24 x 10-6 oC-1 = 72 x 10-6 oC-1

The initial temperature (T1) = 30oC

The initial volume (V1) = 30 cm3

The final volume (V2) = 30.5 cm3

The change in volume (ΔV) = 30.5 cm3 – 30 cm3 = 0.5 cm3

Wanted : The final temperature (T2)

Solution :

ΔV = β (V1)(ΔT)

ΔV = β (V1)(T2 – T1)

0.5 cm3 = (72 x 10-6 oC-1)(30 cm3)(T2 – 30oC)

0.5 = (2160 x 10-6)(T2 – 30)

0.5 = (2.160 x 10-3)(T2 – 30)

0.5 = (2.160 x 10-3)(T2 – 30)

0.5 / (2.160 x 10-3) = T2 – 30

0.23 x 103 = T2 – 30

0.23 x 1000 = T2 – 30

230 = T2 – 30

230 + 30 = T2

T2 = 260oC

See also  Normal force equation

2. The coefficient of linear expansion of a metal sphere is 9 x 10-6 oC-1. The internal diameter of the metal sphere at 20 oC is 2.2 cm. If the final diameter is 2.8 cm, what is the final temperature!

Known :

The coefficient of linear expansion (α) = 9 x 10-6 oC-1

The coefficient of volume expansion (β) = 3 α = 3 x 9 x 10-6 oC-1 = 27 x 10-6 oC-1

The initial temperature (T1) = 20oC

The initial diameter (D1) = 2.2 cm

The final diameter (D2) = 2.8 cm

The initial radius (r1) = D1 / 2 = 2.2 cm3 / 2 = 1.1 cm3

The final radius (r2) = D2 / 2 = 2.8 cm3 / 2 = 1.4 cm3

The initial volume (V1) = 4/3 π r13 = (4/3)(3.14)(1.1 cm)3 = (4/3)(3.14)(1.331 cm3) = 5.57 cm3

The final volume (V2) = 4/3 π r23 = (4/3)(3.14)(1.4 cm)3 = (4/3)(3.14)(2.744 cm3) = 11.48 cm3

The change in volume (ΔV) = 11.48 cm3 – 5.57 cm3 = 5.91 cm3

Wanted : The final temperature (T2)

Solution :

ΔV = β (V1)(ΔT)

5.91 cm3 = (27 x 10-6 oC-1)(5.57 cm3)(T2 – 20oC)

5.91 = (150.39 x 10-6)(T2 – 20)

5.91 / 150.39 x 10-6 = T2 – 20

0.039 x 106 = T2 – 20

39 x 103 = T2 – 20

39,000 = T2 – 20

39,000 + 20 = T2

T2 = 39,020 oC

3. A 2000-cm3 aluminum container, filled with water at 0oC. And then heated to 90oC. If the coefficient of linear expansion for aluminum is 24 x 10-6 (oC)-1 and the coefficient of volume expansion for water is 6.3 x 10-4 (oC)-1, determine the volume of spilled water.

Known :

The initial volume of the aluminum container and water (Vo) = 2000 cm3 = 2 x 103 cm3

The initial temperature of the aluminum container and water (T1) = 0oC

The final temperature of the aluminum container and water (T2) = 90oC

The coefficient of linear expansion for aluminum (α) = 24 x 10-6 (oC)-1

The coefficient of volume expansion for aluminum (γ) = 3α = 3 (24 x 10-6 (oC)-1 ) = 72 x 10-6 oC-1

The coefficient of volume expansion for water (γ) = 6.3 x 10-4 (oC)-1

Wanted : The volume of spilled water

Solution :

The equation of the volume expansion :

V = Vo + γ Vo ΔT

V – Vo = γ Vo ΔT

ΔV = γ Vo ΔT

V = final volume, Vo = initial volume, ΔV = the change in volume, γ = the coefficient of volume expansion, ΔT = the change in temperature

Calculate the change in volume of the aluminum container :

ΔV = γ Vo ΔT = (72 x 10-6)(2 x 103)(90) = 12960 x 10-3 = 12.960 cm3

Calculate the change in volume of the water :

ΔV = γ Vo ΔT = (6.3 x 10-4)(2 x 103)(90) = 1134 x 10-1 = 113.4 cm3

The change in volume of the water is greater than the aluminum container so that some water spilled.

Calculate the volume of spilled water :

113.4 cm3 – 12.960 cm3 = 100.44 cm3

[wpdm_package id=’702′]

  1. Converting temperature scales
  2. Linear expansion
  3. Area expansion
  4. Volume expansion
  5. Heat
  6. Mechanical equivalent of heat
  7. Specific heat and heat capacity
  8. Latent heat, the heat of fusion, the heat of vaporization
  9. Energy conservation for heat transfer

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Discover more from Physics

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading