Question

Give reason for the following:

While laying the railway tracks, a small gap is left between the successive lengths of rail.

• A. To compensate for the thermal expansion
• B. To compensate for the thermal contraction
• C. To avoid thermal stain
• D. To restrict thermal expansion

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

To compensate for the thermal expansion

Rails expand when the temperature rises in summer. The gap is provided to allow for this expansion. If no gap is left, the rails will bend sideways after expansion which may cause derailment.