A piece of wire, original length 120 mm, is heated from 20°C to 95 °C. If the final length of the wire is 120,324 mm, calculate the linear expansion coefficient of the wire.
The linear expansion coefficient (α) of a material is given by the formula:
α = (ΔL) / (L * ΔT)
where:
α = linear expansion coefficient
ΔL = change in length of the wire (final length - original length) = 120.324 mm - 120 mm = 0.324 mm
L = original length of the wire = 120 mm
ΔT = change in temperature = final temperature - initial temperature = 95 °C - 20 °C = 75 °C
Plugging in the values:
α = (0.324 mm) / (120 mm * 75 °C)
α = 0.000036 mm/°C
Therefore, the linear expansion coefficient of the wire is 0.000036 mm/°C.