Answer
a.
in the vertical direction, $\mathrm{B}=\mathrm{C} < \mathrm{D}=\mathrm{E} < \mathrm{A}.$
b.
in the horizontal, $\mathrm{A}=\mathrm{C}=\mathrm{E} < \mathrm{B} < \mathrm{D}$
Work Step by Step
Observe 16-4, $\Delta L=\alpha L_{0}\Delta T$.
All plates have the same $\alpha$ and $\Delta T$, so $\Delta L$ is proportional to $L_{0}$.
The ranking of $\Delta L$ is the same as the ranking of $L_{0}$, in each direction.
a.
in the vertical direction, $\mathrm{B}=\mathrm{C} < \mathrm{D}=\mathrm{E} < \mathrm{A}.$
b.
in the horizontal, $\mathrm{A}=\mathrm{C}=\mathrm{E} < \mathrm{B} < \mathrm{D}$
