Question

When a bimetallic strip is heated, the strip will bend toward the side

A) with the smaller coefficient of linear expansion.
B) with the lower temperature.
C) with the larger coefficient of linear expansion.
D) with the higher temperature.

Answer 1

A heated bimetallic strip bends towards the side with the larger coefficient of linear expansion, as that side expands more.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a bimetallic strip is heated, the strip will bend toward the side with the larger coefficient of linear expansion. This is because the metal with a larger coefficient will expand more than the metal with a smaller coefficient. As a result, the strip curves towards the metal with the smaller coefficient of linear expansion. Bimetallic strips are commonly used in thermometers and thermostats, where this property is utilized to measure temperature changes or to control them by operating switches. A heated bimetallic strip bends towards the side with the larger coefficient of linear expansion, as that side expands more.