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Textbook Solutions for Conceptual Physics

Chapter 15 Problem 4P

Question

Problem 4P

Consider a 40,000-km steel pipe that forms a ring to fit snugly all around the circumference of the Earth. Suppose people along its length breathe on it so as to raise its temperature 1°C. The pipe gets longer. It also is no longer snug. How high does it stand above ground level? (To simplify, consider only the expansion of its radial distance from the center of Earth, and apply the geometry formula that relates circumference C and radius r, C = 2πr. The result is surprising!)

Solution

Solution:

For steel, α = 11 × 10-6/°C. Remember that ΔL = Lα ΔT.

ΔL = 40,000 km × 11×10-6/°C × 1°C

                                                         = 0.44 km = 440 meters

                                                  Lfinal = 40,000,000 m + 440 m

                                                         = 40,000,440 m

                                                          C = 2πr

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full solution

Title Conceptual Physics 11 
Author Paul G. Hewitt
ISBN 9780321568090

Solved: Consider a 40,000-km steel pipe that forms a ring

Chapter 15 textbook questions

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