As Column A gets heated, what happens to the ball?
- It moves left along the beam
- It falls straight down from its current position
- It moves right along the beam
- Nothing
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer:
It moves right along the beam.
Explanation:
When Column A is heated, it expands due to thermal expansion. This expansion causes the beam to shift, affecting the position of the ball. Let’s break this down step by step:
- Thermal Expansion Principle:
- When a material is heated, its molecules move faster, causing it to expand.
- This principle applies to solids, including the metal column in this scenario.
- Effect on the Beam:
- If Column A expands, it pushes against the beam connected to it.
- This movement alters the alignment of the beam, shifting its position in the direction of expansion.
- Ball’s Motion:
- The ball rests on the beam and follows its movement.
- As the beam moves due to the expansion of Column A, the ball experiences a horizontal displacement.
- Given that Column A expands outward, it pushes the beam toward the right.
- Gravity vs. Thermal Expansion:
- If the beam remains intact and level, gravity does not play a significant role in moving the ball downward.
- Instead, the ball follows the beam’s motion, moving right as the beam shifts in that direction.
- Engineering & Real-World Applications:
- This principle is essential in bridge construction, rail tracks, and machinery, where materials expand and contract due to temperature changes.
- Engineers design expansion joints to accommodate such movements and prevent structural damage.
Conclusion:
As Column A is heated, it expands, pushing the beam rightward. Consequently, the ball moves right along the beam due to the beam’s shift.
Here is the generated image illustrating how the ball moves right along the beam as Column A is heated and expands. Let me know if you need any modifications or further explanations!
