Coefficient of Linear Expansion Derivation – Rankers Physics

Thermal Expansion: Practice Problem & Solution

Assertion (A): The temperature of a metallic rod is raised by a temperature \(\Delta t\) so that its length becomes double. The value of \(\alpha\) (coefficient of linear expansion) is given by \(\frac{\log_e (2)}{\Delta t}\). Reason (R): Coefficient of linear expansion is defined as \(\frac{1}{l} \frac{dl}{dt}\).  
(1) Both (A) & (R) are true and the (R) is the correct explanation of the (A)
(2) Both (A) & (R) are true but the (R) is not the correct explanation of the (A)
(3) (A) is true but (R) is false
(4) Both (A) and (R) are false

Short Solution (Best for NEET):

To solve this problem, we apply the core principles of Thermal Expansion. Understanding the underlying formula is key to arriving at the correct answer below:

Reason (R) is the correct definition for the instantaneous coefficient of linear expansion (assuming \(t\) is temperature), so it is true. Integrating \(dl/l = \alpha dT\) with constant \(\alpha\) gives \(ln(l/l_0) = \alpha \Delta T\), so \(l = l_0 e^{\alpha \Delta T}\). If \(l = 2l_0\), then \(2 = e^{\alpha \Delta T}\), leading to \(\alpha = \frac{ln 2}{\Delta T}\).


So Assertion (A) is true. (R) provides the foundational definition from which (A) is derived, thus it's the correct explanation.

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