Question:

Two rods made of metals A and B, each of length \(20\,\text{cm}\), expand by \(0.075\,\text{cm}\) and \(0.045\,\text{cm}\) respectively, when heated from \(0^\circ\text{C}\) to \(100^\circ\text{C}\). A composite rod of the same length is made with a portion of metal A and the remaining portion with B. The composite rod expands by \(0.060\,\text{cm}\) for the same rise in temperature. Then the portion of the composite rod made of A has initial length

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For a composite rod, \[ \Delta L_{\text{total}} = \Delta L_1+\Delta L_2. \] Always find the expansion coefficients first using \[ \alpha=\frac{\Delta L}{L\Delta T}. \] Then apply the expansion formula separately to each segment.
Updated On: Jul 9, 2026
  • \(8\,\text{cm}\)
  • \(10\,\text{cm}\)
  • \(15\,\text{cm}\)
  • \(18\,\text{cm}\) \bigskip
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Concept: Linear expansion is given by \[ \Delta L=\alpha L\Delta T. \] First determine the coefficients of linear expansion of metals A and B.

Step 1:
Calculate the coefficient of linear expansion of metal A. For metal A, \[ 0.075=\alpha_A(20)(100). \] \[ \alpha_A=\frac{0.075}{2000}. \] \[ \alpha_A=3.75\times10^{-5}\,^\circ\text{C}^{-1}. \]

Step 2:
Calculate the coefficient of linear expansion of metal B. For metal B, \[ 0.045=\alpha_B(20)(100). \] \[ \alpha_B=\frac{0.045}{2000}. \] \[ \alpha_B=2.25\times10^{-5}\,^\circ\text{C}^{-1}. \]

Step 3:
Form the equation for the composite rod. Let the initial length of metal A in the composite rod be \[ x\,\text{cm}. \] Then the length of metal B is \[ 20-x. \] Total expansion is \(0.060\,\text{cm}\). Hence, \[ 0.060 = \alpha_A x(100) + \alpha_B(20-x)(100). \] Substituting the values, \[ 0.060 = 3.75\times10^{-3}x + 2.25\times10^{-3}(20-x). \]

Step 4:
Solve for \(x\). \[ 0.060 = 3.75\times10^{-3}x + 0.045 - 2.25\times10^{-3}x. \] \[ 0.015 = 1.5\times10^{-3}x. \] \[ x=10. \]

Step 5:
Write the final answer. \[ \boxed{x=10\,\text{cm}} \] \[ \boxed{\text{Answer = (B)}} \]
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