The change in length of the bridge can be calculated using the formula:
ΔL = L₀ × α × ΔT
Where:
- ΔL = change in length
- L₀ = original length of the material (400 m for the bridge)
- α = coefficient of linear expansion for aluminum (2.4 × 10-5 °C-1)
- ΔT = change in temperature (37 °C)
Plugging in the values:
ΔL = 400 m × 2.4 × 10-5 °C-1 × 37 °C
Calculating:
- ΔL = 400 × 2.4 × 10-5 × 37
- ΔL ≈ 0.3552 m
Therefore, the change in length of the aluminum bridge is approximately 0.3552 m or 35.52 cm.