Question

Gaps are left between the rails to allow for:

• A. contraction
• B. expansion
• C. both (A) and (B)
• D. for easy transportation of rails

Answer 1

The correct option is C

both (A) and (B)

C: Both (A) and (B)

1. Rails are made of steel, which expands on heating and contract on cooling.
2. If rails are fixed tightly, leaving no space for expansion or contraction, these will bend. outward in summer.
3. This will result in the derailment of the train.
4. Small gaps are left between the rails to avoid such a situation.
5. The rails are then joined by fishplates.
6. Thus, in summer these gaps get smaller and in winter bigger, but the rail by itself remains straight.
7. Thus, no derailment takes place.

Hence, the correct answer is an option (C): Both (A) and (B)