Jamb/Waec Notes (Thermal Expansivity) - Chukwujekwu Marvelous

JAMB & WAEC E-NOTES - THERMAL EXPANSIVITY

Linear Expansivity

The Linear Expansivity,∝ of a substance is the fractional increase in the length

of a material per unit length per degree rise in temperature(K)

What's the unit of Linear expansivity: Answer: per Kelvin (K–1)

1) What is meant by the statement "The linear expansivity of a solid is 1 × 10–5K-

1

(WAEC 1989)

Solution 1.1: A minute(unit) length of the solid will expand by a fractional

increase of 1 × 10–5 of the original length for every degree rise in temperature.

2) What is the formula connecting linear expansivity

∆L = ∝l(t1 – t2).......... Eq. 1.1

Hence linear expansivity, ∝ = ∆L ÷ l(t1 – t2)

Where ∆L is the change in length due to expansion

"l" represents the original length of the solid before expansion

t1 – t2 = ∆T represents the change in the temperature.

3) Steel bars, each of length 3m at 29°C are used for the construction of a rail
line. If the linear expansivity of steel is 1 × 10–5K–1. Calculate the safety gap that
must be left between successive bars if the highest temperature expected is 41°C.
[WAEC 1989]

Solution 1.2: The safety gap to be left is equal to the change in length(∆L

From Eq. 1.1, ∆L = ∝l(t1 – t2)

∆L = 1 × 10–5× 3 × (41 – 29) = 0.00036m or 3.6 × 10–4

Notice that the Celsius wasn't converted to Kelvin as we are dealing with
change: 41°C = 314K. and 29°C = 302K, still having a temperature difference
of 12. Celsius is converted to kelvin by simply adding 273(constant) which won't
affect the change.

4) A wire of length 100m at 30°C has a linear expansivity of 2 × 10–5K–1.

Calculate the length of the wire at –10°C. [JAMB 2013]

A) 99.92m. B) 100.08m. c) 100.04m d) 99.96m

1
 Jamb/Waec Notes (Thermal Expansivity) - Chukwujekwu Marvelous

Solution 1.3

∆L = (2 × 10–5)×100×(30 –(–10))

The next question you ask your self is:

Is ∆L = 100 – L2 OR ∆L = L2 – 100

A solid will expand at a high temperature. Hence a temperature of –10°C

indicates a low temperature, lower length (100 - L 2)

100 - L2 = (2 × 10–5) × 100 × 40

100 - L2 = 0.08.

L2 = 100 – 0.08 = 99.92m

5) A steel plug has a diameter of 5cm at 30°C. At what temperature will it fit
exactly into a hole of constant diameter 4.997cm.

[Coefficient of Linear expansion of steel is 11 × 10–6C–1). – JAMB

a) 27.3°C. b) –24.6°C. c) –27.3°C. d) 7.32°e) 24.6°

Solution 1.4

∆L = 5 – 4.997 = 0.003

∆L = ∝l(t1 – t2)

0.003 = (11 × 10–6) × 5 × (30 - t2)

Why was change in temperature 30 - t and not t - 30

Reason: Decrease in length causes decrease in temperature.

54.55 = 30 – t

t2 = 30 – 54.55 = –24.6°C (Option B)

6) On a fairly cool rainy day when the temperature is 20°C, the length of a steel
rail road track is 20m. What will be its length on a hot day when the
temperature is 59°C.

[Coefficient of Linear Expansion of Steel = 11 × 10–6C–1]

L2 – 20 = 11 × 10–6 × 20 × (59 – 20)

L2 = 0.00858 + 20 = 20.00858m

2
 Jamb/Waec Notes (Thermal Expansivity) - Chukwujekwu Marvelous

7) An iron rod is 2.58m long at 0°C. Calculate the length of the brass rod at 0°C
if the difference between the lengths of the two rods must remain the same at all
temperatures

[Linear Expansivity of iron = 1.2 × 10–5K–1

Linear expansivity of brass = 1.9 × 10–5K–1]

Solution 1.6

Linear expansivity is inversely proportional to original length of material

Since ∝ = ∆L ÷ l(t1 - t2)

Calculate constant of proportionality.

k = 1.2 × 10–5×2.58 = 0.00003096

L(Linear Expansivity) = 0.00003096 ÷ l2

1.9 × 10–5 = 0.00003096 ÷ l2

Hence, l2 = 0.00003096 ÷ (1.9 × 10–5)

Evaluating.... l2 = 1.629m

8) State the Applications of Expansion of Metals. [WAEC 2013]

• Used for Marking Bimetallic Strip Used in Thermostats(Irons): Works on

the principle of expansion of "metals" when heated(different
expansivities) causing bending
• Removal of Tight glass stoppers(Application of heat)
• It is used in Bimetallic Thermometers
• Riveting two or more metal plates
• Fixing of Metal rims on Metal wheels
• Applied in automatic fire alarms: whenever there is a fire outbreak, the
heat generated causes the strip to bend making contact and therefore
completing the circuit making the alarm ring out.
• Fusing of platinum wire through walls of glass vessels as they have
approximately the same expansivity

Note: A thick glass tumbler cracks when hot water is poured into it due to
temperature and expansion. In laboratories, PYREX is used for the production
of laboratory beakers because it has a low thermal expansivity

Through the make and break actions of the bimetallic strip(Electric Iron),
regulates the temperature of the Iron (By bending and relaxing)

3
 Jamb/Waec Notes (Thermal Expansivity) - Chukwujekwu Marvelous

9) State the disadvantages of thermal expansion (WAEC 2013)

• Expansion of metallic or concrete bridges

• Cracking of glass cup when hot water is poured.

Note: Creaking Noises are heard on galvanized iron sheets(roofs) due to high
temperatures and expansion. Also, rollers are used in the expansion gaps of
bridges due to high temperatures causing expansion. Gaps are left between rails
in railway tracks for free expansion to prevent buckling and derailing of the
train

• Expansion of balance wheel of a wristwatch: Without a bimetallic tool an

increase of temperature increases the diameter of the balance wheel and
weakens the elasticity of the hair spring. This causes the wristwatch to
lose time
• Sagging of Over head wire(Due to Linear Expansivity)
• Expansion of rail way lines

10) In which of the following is the expansion of solids a disadvantage?

a) Fitting of wheels in rims. b) Fire alarms c) The thermostat

d) The balance wheel of a watch. [WAEC 1993]

Solution: From our lists, the correct option is D

11) The crackling noise produced by aluminium roofing sheets on a house during
a hot sunny day is as a result of _________ [WAEC 2015]

a) Thermal Equilibrium of the sheets

b) Conduction of heat by the sheets

c) Contraction of the sheets

d) Expansion of the sheets.

Solution: From the notes, the correct option is D

12) The design of the thermostat of an electric iron is based on the ______

a) Emission of electrons from metals when heated

b) Increase in size of metals when heated

c) Increase in the density of metals when heated

d) Change in mass of metals when heated

[WAEC 2008]

4
 Jamb/Waec Notes (Thermal Expansivity) - Chukwujekwu Marvelous

Solution: It's based on the increase in the size of metals when heated.

13) A metallic sphere is heated from 27°C to 200°C without change of state.
Which of the following changes would have resulted from the heating.
[WAEC 2021]

a) No changes occur in volume and density

b) Its volume increases and density increases

c) Its volume increases and density decreases

d) Its volume increases without a change in density.

Solution.

Expansivity causes increase in length and also causes an increase in volume.

density = mass/volume.

Hence as volume is increasing, density will reduce as seen from the formula.
(Mass = 10 and Volume = 20

E.g density = 10/20 = 0.5kg/m³

If the volume is increased to 30, density = 0.3kg/m³ which is lower.

14) The diameter of a brass ring at 30°C is 50cm. To what temperature must the
ring be heated to increase its diameter to 50.29cm

[Linear Expansivity of brass = 1.9 × 10–5 K–1]. [WAEC 2022]

a) 152.6°C. b) 182.6° c) 306.1°C. d) 353.3°C.

Solution 1.7

∆L = 50.29 – 50 = 0.29cm

Using Equation 1.1

0.29 = 1.9 × 10–5×50 ×(l2 – 30)

l2 – 30 = 0.29 ÷ (1.9 × 10–5×50) = 305.3

l 2 – 30 = 305.3

Hence, l 2 = 305.3 + 30 = 335.3°C

15) Two metals P and Q are heated through the same temperature difference. If
the ratio of the linear expansivities of P to Q is 2:3 and the ratio of their length is

5
 Jamb/Waec Notes (Thermal Expansivity) - Chukwujekwu Marvelous

3:4 respectively, the ratio of the increase in length of P to Q is.

[JAMB 2012]

a) 1:2. b) 2:1. c) 8:9. d) 9:8

Solution 1.8

Requires speed and accuracy alongside critical thinking.

Linear expansivity = ∆L ÷ l(t1 – t2)

Let:

• Linear Expansivity of P = Lp

• Linear Expansivity of Q = Lq

• t1 - t2 is same for both metals, hence it won't affect the ratio

• Length of P = lp

• Length of Q = lq

L1p =( ∆Lp ÷ 2l(t 1 – t2) = 3Lp) - Ratio

∆Lp = 6Lp(t1 – t2)

For Q,

Following previous methods, ∆Lq = 12Lq(t1 – t2)

Ratio: (∆Lp:∆Lq) = 6Lp(t1 – t2):12Lq(t1 – t2)

Ratio : (∆Lp:∆Lq) = 1:2(Option A)

16) During Summer, the balance wheel of a cock expands.What effect does this
have on the accuracy of the clock. [JAMB 2008]

a) The clock gains time. b) The accuracy of the clock is not affected

c) The clock loses time. d) The clocks stops working.

Solution: Refer to pg 4. Correct Option(C)

17) The ratio of the coefficient of linear expansion of two metals A and B is 3:4,
when heated through the same temperature change, the ratio of the increase in
length of the two metals is 1:2 respectively, the ratio of their original lengths is
_______ [JAMB]

6
 Jamb/Waec Notes (Thermal Expansivity) - Chukwujekwu Marvelous

a) 2/3. b) 8/3. c) 3/8. d) 3/2

Solution 1.9

Linear expansivity = ∆L ÷ l(t1 – t2)

3La = 1∆L ÷ la(t 1 – t2)

la = 1∆L ÷ 3La(t1 – t2)

la ratio = 1:3

For Metal B,

For 4Lb = 2∆Lb ÷ l b(t1 – t2)

lb = 2∆Lb ÷ 4Lb(t1 – t2)

lb ratio = 1:2

Ratio of la to lb

=> ⅓:½

Multiplying through, Ratio of la to lb = 2:3(Option A)

18) Metal Rods of length 20m each are laid end to end to form a bridge at 25°C.
What gap will be provided between consecutive rails for the bridge to withstand
75°C. [JAMB 2004]

[Linear Expansivity of material = 2 × 10–5 K –1]

Solution 2.0

The Gap is equal to the change in length

∆L = ∝l(t1 – t2)

∆L = (2 × 10–5×20 × (75 – 25)) = 0.02m

19) Which of these is NOT an application of expansion in metals.

a) Bimetallic Strip Thermometer. [JAMB 2015]

b) Temperature control in an electric iron

c) Compensated balance wheel of a watch

d) Sagging of telegraph wires

Solution: Ans D(Disadvantage not an Application)

7
 Jamb/Waec Notes (Thermal Expansivity) - Chukwujekwu Marvelous

AREA AND CUBIC EXPANSIVITY

Area or Superficial Expansivity is defined as the fractional increase in the area

of a material per unit area per degree rise in temperature.

Relationship between Area and Linear Expansivity

Area expansivity(B) = 2∝

Cubic or Volume Expansivity is the fractional increase in the volume of a

material/substance/liquid per unit volume per degree rise in temperature

Relationship between Cubic and Linear Expansivity

Cubic Expansivity(Y) = 3∝

•Area expansivity(B) = ∆A ÷ a(t 1 – t2)

• ∆A is the change in area due to expansion

• a is initial area before expansion

• t1 – t2 = ∆T is the change in temperature over which expansion occurs

• Volume expansivity(Y) = ∆V ÷ v(t 1 – t2)

• ∆V is the change in volume(L3)
• v is the initial volume
• ∆T = t1 – t2 = Change in temperature

19) The length of a side of metallic cube at 20°C is 5cm. Given that the linear
expansivity of the metal is 4 × 10–5K–1. Find the volume of the cube at 120°C. a)
126.50 cm³ b) 126.25cm³ c) 126.00cm³ d) 125cm³

[JAMB EXAM].

Solution 2.2

Volume of cube = L³ = 5³ = 125 cm³

Volume Expansivity = 3∝

Y = 3 × 4 × 10–5 = 12 × 10–5

∆V = Y × v × (t1 – t2)

8
 Jamb/Waec Notes (Thermal Expansivity) - Chukwujekwu Marvelous

(v2 – 125) = 12 × 10–5 × 125 × (120 – 20)

v2 – 125 = 12 × 10–3 × 125 = 1.5

v2 = 125 + 1.5 = 126.5cm³

20) The density of a liquid is 7 × 10³ kg/m³ at 10°C. Find its density at 100°C if
the cubic expansivity of the liquid is 6.5 × 10–5K–1.___kg/m³

a) 7.82 × 10³ b) 6.69 × 10³ c) 7.08 × 10³ d)7 × 10³ [JAMB /19]

Solution 2.2

6.5 × 10–5 × 7000 × (100 - 10) = 7000 – v2

D = 6.96 × 10³

Since density varies directly as volume at constant mass, increase in

temperature will reduce.

Correct Answer: No Option

21) A metal of volume 40cm³ is heated from 30°C to 90°C, the increase in volume
is _______ [Linear Expansivity of Metal = 2 × 10–3K–1] -

a) 0.12cm³ b) 4 cm³ c) 1.2cm³ d) 0.4cm³

[JAMB 2011]

Solution 2.3

Y = 3 × (2 × 10–3K–1) = 6 × 10–5K–1

∆V = 6 × 10–3 × 40 × (90 - 30) = 14.4cm³

No correct option. Answer: 14.4cm³

22) A blacksmith heated a metal whose cubic expansivity is 6.3 × 10–6K–1. The
area expansivity is _______ [JAMB 2007]

Solution 2.4

Get Linear expansivity = 6.3 × 10–6 ÷ 3 = 2.1 × 10–6

Get Area expansivity = 2∝ = 2 × 2.1 × 10–6 = 4.2 × 10–6K–1

23) Prove that area expansivity = 2∝ [Author's Question]

Proof 1.1

Area = length × breadth

9
 Jamb/Waec Notes (Thermal Expansivity) - Chukwujekwu Marvelous

From Superficial expansivity:

B = (A2 – A1) ÷ A1(t1 – t2)

A2 – A1 = A1B(t1 – t2)

A2 = A1 + A1B(t1 – t2)

A2 = A1(1 + B(t1 – t2))...........(1)

Area = length × breadth

From Linear expansivity

l2 = l1(1 + ∝(t1 – t2)).........(2)

Since breadth is also a form of length

b2 = b1(1 + ∝(t1 – t2)).........(3)

Area = (2) × (3)

A2 = l2b2 = l1b1(1 + ∝(t1 – t2))(1 + ∝(t1 – t2))

Simplifying...A2 = l1b1(1 + 2∝(t1 – t2) + (∝(t1 – t2))².......(4)

Since the value of ∝² will be very minute, we won't consider it.

Comparing (1) and (4) B = 2∝

(∝(t1 – t2))² wasn't considered as its impact is very minute

E.g 20000 + 0.00000045

24) A rectangular metal block of volume 10–6 m³ ar 273K is heated to 573K. If

the coefficient of linear expansion is 1.2 × 10–5K–1. The percentage change of its
volume is ________ [JAMB 1995]

a) 1.5%. b) 1.1%. c) 0.4%. d) 0.1%

Solution 2.5

Y = 3 × 1.2 × 10–6K–1 = 3.6 × 10–6K–1

∆V = Yv(573 – 273)

∆V = 3.6×10–5×10–6 × 300 = 1.08 × 10–3 × 10–5 = 1.08 × 10–8

%∆V = ∆V/v × 100%

%∆V = (1.08 × 10–8)/10–6 × 100% = 1.1%(Ans: B)

10
 Jamb/Waec Notes (Thermal Expansivity) - Chukwujekwu Marvelous

25) A cube made of metal of linear expansivity ∝, is warmed through a

temperature of t. If the initial volume of the cube is V, what is the increase in the
volume of the cube? [WAEC 1990]

a) ⅓∝Vt. b)½V∝t. c)∝Vt. d) 2∝Vt. e) 3∝Vt

Solution: Y = 3∝, substitute in ∆V = 3∝Vt

REAL AND APPARENT EXPANSIVITY

Real
Expansion =
Apparent
Expansion +
Expansion of
container

Yr = Ya + Yc

Where Yc is the cubic expansion of the container

Mass of liquid expelled =

mass of liquid at initial temperature – mass of liquid at final temperature

Mass of liquid remaining = Mass of liquid at final temperature

26) The temperature of a glass vessel containing 100cm³ of mercury is raised

from 10°C to 100°C. Calculate the apparent cubic expansion of the mercury.
[WAEC 1995]

11
 Jamb/Waec Notes (Thermal Expansivity) - Chukwujekwu Marvelous

[Real cubic expansivity of mercury = 1.8 × 10–4K–1, Cubic Expansivity of glass =

2.4 × 10–5K–1]

Solution 2.6

Yr = Ya + Yc

Ya = Yr – Yc

Ya = 1.8 × 10–4 -– (2.4 × 10–5) = 0.000156K-1

Ya = (x – 100) ÷ x(90)

0.000156(90)(x) = x – 100

0.01404x = x – 100

–0.986x = – 100

x = 101.42

Apparent Expansion = 101.42 – 100 = 1.42cm³

27) The mass of an empty density bottle is 30g. When filled with a liquid, the
mass of the bottle and the liquid is 40g. On heating the filled bottle through 40°C,
the mass reduces to 38g. Calculate the apparent cubic expansivity of the liquid.
[WAEC 2014]

Solution 2.7

Ya = Mass of liquid expelled ÷ (Mass remain. × temp. rise)

Mass of bottle = 30g

Mass of liquid = 40 – 30 = 10g

Mass when reduced = 38 – 30 = 8g

Ya = (10 – 8) ÷ (8 × 40) = 6.25 × 10–3K–1

28) A relative density bottle of volume 50cm³ is completely filled with a liquid at
30°C. It is then heated to 80°C such that 0.75cm³ of the liquid is expelled.
Calculate the apparent cubic expansivity of the liquid

[WAEC 2007/23]

Ya = Volume of liquid expelled ÷ (Volume rem. × temp. rise)

Ya = 0.75 ÷ (50.75 × (80 – 30)) = 0.00030K-1

Hence, the apparent cubic expansivity of the liquid is 0.00030K-1

12
 Jamb/Waec Notes (Thermal Expansivity) - Chukwujekwu Marvelous

ANOMALOUS EXPANSION OF WATER

This refers to the unique behavior of water as it cools and freezes. Unlike most
substances that contract when cooled, water exhibits a maximum density(least
volume) at around 4°C. As it cools from this temperature to 0°C, it begins to
expand instead of contract, which is quite unusual. This expansion occurs due to
the hydrogen bonding between water molecules. It contracts on cooling from any
temperature until at 4°C when it starts to expand(below 4°C). Expands when
cooled from 4°C to 0°C. Contracts when heated between 0°and 4°(Normally
other liquids expand when heated

This behavior makes ponds, rivers to freeze on their surfaces rather than
from the button. Marine lives can survive during winter

29) Anomalous behavior of water occurs in the temperature range of

a) 0°C – 4°C. b) –4°C – 0°C. c) 0°C – 25°C. d) 1°C – 100°C

[JAMB 2020]

Solution: From Notes, correct answer is A

30) A quantity of water at 0°C is heated to about 30°C. At each degree rise in
temperature, its density will _______ [JAMB]

a) Rise steadily. b) Fall steadily. c) fall then rise. d) rise then fall.

Solution: Volume of water contract when heated between 0°C – 4°C, then
expands after wards with decreasing density. Ans: D

13
 Jamb/Waec Notes (Thermal Expansivity) - Chukwujekwu Marvelous

Exercise(Thermal Expansivity)

1) A wire, 20m long is heated from a temperature of 5°C to 55°C. If the change in
length is 0.02m. Calculate the linear expansivity of the wire

2) Which of the following statements is/are correct?

I. Pure water freezes at 0°II. Water has its highest density at 4°C.

III. The volume at 4°C is highest

a) I only. b) II only. c) I and II only. d) I and III only. e) II and III

3) The ratio of the linear expansivity of copper to that of iron is aproximately 1.5.
If they expand by the sane amount per unit rise in temperature. The ratio of
their length is ______

4) A rod of initial length 2m at a temperature of 25°C is heated ro 80°C.

Calculate the increase in length of the rod if its linear expansivity is 4 × 10–3K–1

5) The cubic expansivity of mercury is 1.8 × 10–4K–1 and the linear expansivity of
glass is 8 × 10–6K–1. Calculate the apparent expansivity of mecury in a glass
container

14
 Jamb/Waec Notes (Thermal Expansivity) - Chukwujekwu Marvelous

6) The graph above shows the expansion of water as the temperature increases
from 0°C. Which of the following deductions from the graph are true.

I. Water has maximum density at Q

II The volume of water is greater at 0°than at 4°C

III. The volume of water decreases uniformly when cooled from 100°C to 9°C

IV. When water solidifies, its volume increases

a) I and II b) I and III c) II and III d) I,II and III e) I, II and IV

7) If the temperature of water is gradually increased from 0°C to 4°C, the density
of the water within this range.

a) Increases for a while and then decreases. b) Decreases for a while and then
increases c) Increases Gradually d) Decreases Gradually

8) Which of the following is correct about anomalous expansion of water

I. There is contraction between 0°C and 4°C

II. There is expansion between 0°C and 10°C

III. The volume is minimum at 4°C

IV. The volume is maximum at 4°C

a) I and II. b) II and III. c) I and III. d) II and IV

Answers to Exercises are on the last page of this document.

15
 Jamb/Waec Notes (Thermal Expansivity) - Chukwujekwu Marvelous

Answers to Exercises

1) 2 × 10–5K–1

2) C

3) 0.67

4) 0.44m

5) 1.5 × 10–4

6) E(I, II and IV)

7) C

8) C

16