Chapter 21, Problem 45A

To determine

To identify: Whether the gap will become wider or narrower in the metal ring.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Thermal expansion is the phenomenon of expansion of the object when heat is provided to it.

In case of ring, when heat is applied it expands in radial direction. So radius of the ring will expand as well as when heat is applied to the ring the ring will expand in transverse direction too and hence its gap would also increase.

Conclusion:

When heat is applied to the metal having a gap, the gap would become wider.