Rails made of steel (α - 13 x 10^6) and pine wood (α - 5 x 10^6) were alternately allowing a gap in between successive rails. If each of the materials is 10 feet long, how much gap must be left to avoid buckling distortion of rails when temperature rises from 11 degree Celsius to 33 degree Celsius?

Question

anonymous · Answer

@mathmate 
Can you help me on this one? :)

mathmate · Answer

Hint:
Use $\Delta L = L~ \alpha~ \Delta T$
Since the two materials alternate at 10 foot intervals, gap required should be the sum of 5 foot length each.
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