A copper wire of length ( ) and an aluminium wire of length ( ) are both heated…

PHYSICS · Single correct · A Level · Physics · Further mechanics and thermal physics · Further mechanics and thermal physics

Problem

A copper wire of length 2 m2\,\text{m} (αCu=17×10−6 K−1\alpha_{\text{Cu}} = 17\times10^{-6}\,\text{K}^{-1}) and an aluminium wire of length 3 m3\,\text{m} (αAl=24×10−6 K−1\alpha_{\text{Al}} = 24\times10^{-6}\,\text{K}^{-1}) are both heated through the same temperature rise. Which statement is correct regarding their increases in length? (a) The copper wire expands more than the aluminium wire. (b) Both wires expand by the same amount. (c) The aluminium wire expands more than the copper wire. (d) The available data are insufficient to decide which expands more.

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