To determine the volume of a lead ball at –12°C, given its volume at 160°C is 530 cm³, we can use the concept of thermal expansion. Materials, including metals like lead, expand when heated and contract when cooled. The relationship between temperature change and volume change can be expressed using the formula for volumetric thermal expansion.
Understanding Thermal Expansion
Thermal expansion can be described by the formula:
ΔV = V₀ × β × ΔT
Where:
- ΔV = change in volume
- V₀ = original volume
- β = coefficient of volumetric expansion for the material
- ΔT = change in temperature
Coefficient of Volumetric Expansion for Lead
The coefficient of volumetric expansion (β) for lead is approximately 0.000018 per °C. This value indicates how much the volume of lead changes with temperature.
Calculating the Change in Volume
First, we need to calculate the temperature change (ΔT) from 160°C to –12°C:
ΔT = T_final - T_initial = -12°C - 160°C = -172°C
Now, we can substitute the values into the volumetric expansion formula:
ΔV = V₀ × β × ΔT
ΔV = 530 cm³ × 0.000018/°C × (-172°C)
Performing the Calculation
Calculating ΔV:
ΔV = 530 cm³ × 0.000018 × -172
ΔV = 530 × -0.003096 = -1.644 cm³
Finding the Volume at –12°C
Now, we can find the new volume (V_final) at –12°C:
V_final = V₀ + ΔV
V_final = 530 cm³ - 1.644 cm³ = 528.356 cm³
Thus, the volume of the lead ball at –12°C is approximately 528.36 cm³.