Answer to Question #37955 in Molecular Physics | Thermodynamics for alzahra

Question

A container can be made from steel [β = 36 × 10-6 (C°)-1] or lead [β = 87 × 10-6 (C°)-1]. A liquid is poured into the container, filling it to the brim. The liquid is either water [β = 207 × 10-6 (C°)-1] or ethyl alcohol [β = 1120 × 10-6 (C°)-1]. When the full container is heated, some liquid spills out. To keep the overflow to a minimum, from what should the container be made and what should the liquid be?

Answer 1

Liquid with less meaning β will expand less. That’s why you should take water. A steel container will increase it’s volume but it’s capacity will decrease. So, it’s better to take a steel container.