Lesson 12: ACT Science Mastery

Lesson 12: ACT Science Mastery

Passage

Both solids and liquids typically have the property of expanding when heated. Two experiments were conducted by chemists to study the expansion of various substances. In the first experiment, five wires of equal length were hung vertically from the ceiling. A current of electricity was passed through each wire to heat them equally to various temperatures. The length of each wire was measured and recorded at each different temperature used in the ex results of this study are shown in Figure 1.

Passage

In the second experiment, designed expansion of various liquids, four different were placed in equally tall, 1 -meter beakers. The liquids were heated evenly at various temperatures, and the amount of rise demonstrated by the liquid at each temperature was measured and recorded. The results of this experience are shown in Figure 2. 

Multiple Choice

If Experiment 1 had been conducted up to temperatures

of 150 °C, what wire is most likely to have expanded the most at that temperature?

• iron

• nickel

• aluminum

• copper

Multiple Choice

If Experiment 1 had been conducted up to temperatures of 150C , what wire is most likely to have expanded the least at that temperatures?

• iron

• nickel

• aluminum

• copper

Multiple Choice

What is the most likely amount of expansion

for brass at 140 °C?

• 0.27mm

• 0.21mm

• 0.15mm

• 0.05mm

Multiple Choice

An engineer is designing a car part that needs to be able to withstand high temperatures with minimal expansion. Out of the following metals, which would be the best for him to use?

• copper

• aluminum

• nickel

• iron

Multiple Choice

An engineer is designing a heat sensor that sounds an alert when the air reaches a high temperature. He is using the expansion and contraction of a metal strand in the sensor to measure the temperature. Of the following metals, which would provide the most sensitive sensor?

• brass

• nickel

• copper

• aluminum