Final answer:
To calculate the expected change in dimensions of a steel rod due to thermal expansion, use the equation for linear thermal expansion. The estimated change in length can be calculated using a typical coefficient of linear expansion for steel. However, the exact change in dimensions cannot be determined without the specific coefficient of linear expansion for steel.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the expected change in dimensions due to thermal expansion, we need to use the equation for linear thermal expansion: ΔL = αL0ΔT, where ΔL is the change in length, α is the coefficient of linear expansion, L0 is the initial length, and ΔT is the change in temperature.
In this case, the coefficient of linear expansion for steel is not provided, so we cannot calculate the exact change in dimensions. However, we can use the equation with a typical value for the coefficient of linear expansion for steel, which is approximately 12 x 10^-6 °C^-1, to give an estimation.
Using the given values, we can calculate the change in length as follows:
ΔL = (12 x 10^-6 °C^-1)(5 m)(20 °C)
ΔL = 0.012 m or 1.2 cm