They are adding steel components to the roof supports of the structure. We know that steel elongates when heated. At what temperature will steel elongate nine inches per 100 feet of length?

a) 500 degrees.

b) 1000 degrees.

c) 1500 degrees.

d) 2000 degrees.

The change in temperature of 576.9°C will produce an elongation of 9 inches per feet in steel.

Explanation:

The formula for linear expansion of a material is:

ΔL = αLΔT

where, ΔL = change in length

L = Original length

ΔT = Change in temperature

α = coefficient of linear expansion

For steel, α = 13 x 10^-6 / °C

L = 100 ft

ΔL = (9 in) (1 ft/12 in) = 0.75 ft

Therefore,

0.75 ft = (13 x 10^-6 / °C) (100 ft) ΔT

ΔT = 576.9°C