Question

What is the value of coefficient of volume expansion for an ideal gas?

(a) (ΔV/V)/Δ T

(b) 2*coefficient of linear expansion

(c) 1/3 * coefficient of linear expansion

(d) (V/ΔV)/ Δ T

This question was addressed to me in a job interview.

My question comes from Thermal Expansion topic in chapter Thermal Properties of Matter of Physics – Class 11

Answer 1

Correct answer is (a) (ΔV/V)/Δ T

Easy explanation: ΔV/V = α*ΔT  ⇒ α = (ΔV/V)/ΔT.                                                                                                             Note that the coefficient of volume expansion is 3 times the coefficient of linear expansion.