The length of a steel beam increases by 0.71 mm when its temperature is raised

Question

The length of a steel beam increases by 0.71 mm when its temperature is raised

from 22 degree's celseius to 35 degree's celsius. What is the length of the beam at 22 degree's celsius in meters?

Express your answer using two significant figures.

Answer 1

For steel (structural) the thermal expansion factor is

alpha = 12 * 10^-6  / K

the formula for the amount of expansion is:

delta(L) = base(L) * alpha * delta(t)

delta(L) / alpha * delta(t) = base(L)

0.71 mm / (12 * 10^-6) * (35 -22) = 4.55 m