University Physics with Modern Physics (14th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0321973615
ISBN 13: 978-0-32197-361-0

Chapter 17 - Temperature and Heat - Problems - Discussion Questions - Page 573: Q17.3

Answer

The different rates of thermal expansion could cause a problem.

Work Step by Step

The piston is designed to slide smoothly within the cylindrical hole in the cast iron. The thermal expansion coefficients for aluminum are twice as great as those for steel, which we are told are similar to those for cast iron. If the temperature gets too high, the aluminum piston could expand to be larger than the hole inside the cast iron, and become jammed.
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