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A pendulum clock loses 12s a day if the ...

A pendulum clock loses 12s a day if the temperature is `40^@C` and gains 4s a day if the temperature is `20^@C`, The temperature at which the clock will show correct time, and the co-efficient of linear expansion `(alpha)` of the metal of the pendulum shaft are respectively:

A

`25^(@)C,alpha=1.85xx10^(-5)//^(@)C`

B

`60^(@)C,alpha=1.85xx10^(-4)//^(@)C`

C

`30^(@)C,alpha=1.85xx10^(-3)//^(@)C`

D

`55^(@)C,alpha=1.85xx10^(-2)//^(@)C`

Text Solution

Verified by Experts

The correct Answer is:
D

Time period of a pendulum, `T=2pisqrt((l)/(g))`
where l is length of pendulum and g is acceleration due to gravity.
Change in time period of a pendulum, `(DeltaT)/(T)=(1)/(2)(Deltal)/(l)`
When clock gains 12 s, we get `(12)/(T)=(1)/(2)alpha(40-theta)`
When clock loses 4s, we get `(4)/(T)=(1)/(2)alpha(theta-20)`
Comparing Eqs. (i) and (ii), we get `3=(40-theta)/(theta-20)`
`rArr3theta-60=40-thetarArr4theta=100rArrtheta=25^(@)C`
Substituting the value of `theta` in Eq . (i), we have `(12)/(T)=(1)/(2)alpha(40-25)rArr(12)/(24xx3600)=(1)/(2)alpha(15)`
`alpha=(24)/(24xx3600xx15),alpha=1.85xx10^(-5)//^(@)C`
Thus, the coefficient of linear expansion in a pendulum clock `=1.85xx10^(-5)//^(@)C`
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