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ExamsJEE AdvancedPhysics

Three rods of equal length L are joined to form an equilateral triangle PQR. O is the midpoint of PQ. For a small change in temperature, the distance OR remains constant. The coefficient of linear expansion for rods PR and RQ is alpha₂, and for rod PQ it is alpha₁. Find the relationship between alpha₁ and alpha₂.

  1. alpha₂ = 3 * alpha₁
  2. alpha₂ = 4 * alpha₁
  3. alpha₁ = 3 * alpha₂
  4. alpha₁ = 4 * alpha₂

Correct answer: alpha₁ = 4 * alpha₂

Solution

In equilateral triangle PQR with side L, O is midpoint of PQ. OR = height of triangle = L*sqrt(3)/2. RQ = L, OQ = L/2. When temperature changes: d(RQ) = alpha₂*L*dT, d(OQ) = (alpha₁/2)*L*dT (half of PQ expansion since O is midpoint of PQ). Setting d(OR) = 0 and using differentiation of RQ² = OR² + OQ².

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