The Eiffel Tower is a steel structure whose height increases by 19.4 cm when the temperature changes from - 9 to 41 oC. What is the approximate height (in meters) at the lower temperature?

Initial height L = 323.3m

Explanation:

Given:

Change in Length ∆L = 19.4cm 0.194m

Change in temperature ∆T = 41 - (-9) = 50°C

Coefficient of linear Thermal expansion of steel k = 12 * 10^-6 m/mK

Using the formula for linear expansion:

∆L = Lk∆T

L = ∆L/k∆T ... 1

Substituting the given values into equation 1

L = 0.194 / (12 * 10^-6 * 50)

Initial height L = 323.3m