Question

If a substance contracts on heating, its coefficient of linear expansion is :

• A. +ve
• B. -ve
• C. zero
• D. Infinity

Answer 1

The correct option is B -ve

For finding the expansion, following equation is used:

$L=L_o(1+\alpha T)$

here, $L_o$ is initial length, $L$ is length at temperature $T$, $\alpha$ is coefficient of Linear expansion.

So, for the substance to contract on heating, using the above equation.

$\alpha$ should be negative.