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ExamsJEE AdvancedPhysics

A poorly designed electrostatic device contains two metal bolts — one steel and one copper — positioned facing each other with an initial gap of 21.55 micrometers at 27 degrees C. The steel bolt has length 0.1 m and the copper bolt has length 0.3 m. Given the linear expansion coefficients alpha_steel = 3.55 * 10⁻⁵ per K and alpha_copper = 6 * 10⁻⁵ per K, which of the following statements is/are correct?

  1. The temperature at which the gap between the bolts closes is 28 degrees C
  2. The temperature at which the gap between the bolts closes is 27.5 degrees C
  3. The change in length of the steel bolt when the gap closes is 3.55 micrometers
  4. The change in length of the copper bolt when the gap closes is 13.55 micrometers

Correct answer: The temperature at which the gap between the bolts closes is 28 degrees C

Solution

The gap closes when the sum of expansions equals the gap: Lₛ*alphaₛ*DT + L_c*alpha_c*DT = gap. DT*(0.1*3.55e-5 + 0.3*6e-5) = 21.55e-6. DT*(3.55e-6 + 18e-6) = 21.55e-6. DT*21.55e-6 = 21.55e-6 => DT = 1 K. Final temperature = 27 + 1 = 28 degrees C (option A correct). Delta_L_steel = 0.1*3.55e-5*1 = 3.55e-6 m = 3.55 micrometers (option C correct). Delta_L_copper = 0.3*6e-5*1 = 18e-6 m = 18 micrometers, not 13.55 (option D wrong).

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