Physics

Physics

Problem

Two steel rails, each 15.0 m15.0\,\text{m} long at 0∘C0^{\circ}\text{C}, are to be laid with a clearance that will just prevent buckling when the temperature rises to 50∘C50^{\circ}\text{C}. Taking the coefficient of linear expansion of steel as 1.2×10−5 K−11.2\times10^{-5}\,\text{K}^{-1}, calculate the minimum gap that must be left between the rails at 0∘C0^{\circ}\text{C}.

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