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ExamsJEE AdvancedPhysics

A steel scale is calibrated to read accurately at 0 deg C. When this scale is used to measure the length of a wooden rod, the readings are 10 cm at 0 deg C and 9.975 cm at 20 deg C. What will the scale read for the same rod at 50 deg C? (Assume the wood expands uniformly.)

  1. 9.9425 cm
  2. 9.9375 cm
  3. 10.0525 cm
  4. 9.875 cm

Correct answer: 9.9375 cm

Solution

At 0 deg C the true rod length = 10 cm. The scale reads 9.975 cm at 20 deg C, so the true rod length at 20 deg C = 9.975*(1 + alpha_steel*20). Using the expansion of the wooden rod: L0*(1+alpha_wood*20) = 9.975*(1+alpha_steel*20). Solving with alpha_steel = 1.2x10⁻⁵/C gives alpha_wood and then the reading at 50 deg C = 9.9375 cm.

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