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Question: Answered & Verified by Expert
Two different wires having lengths L1 and L2 and respective temperature coefficient of linear expansion α1 and α2, are joined end-to-end. Then the effective temperature coefficient of linear expansion is :
PhysicsThermal Properties of MatterJEE MainJEE Main 2020 (05 Sep Shift 2)
Options:
  • A α1L1+α2L2L1+L2
  • B 2α1α2
  • C α1+α22
  • D 4α1α2α1+α2L2L1L2+L12
Solution:
1809 Upvotes Verified Answer
The correct answer is: α1L1+α2L2L1+L2

The wire are joined end-to-end, so they are in series combination, then total length of wire is given by
L=L1+L2  ...(1)

When the temperature is increase by θ, then its final length is given by using concept of linear expansion,
L'=L(1+αθ)  ...(2)

Using equation (1) and (2) for the series combination of wires, final length is given by

L'=L1'+L2'  ...(3)

L1+L2(1+αeffθ)=L1(1+α1θ)+L2(1+α2θ)

αeff=L1α1+L2α2L1+L2

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