What is the expected expansion of a 200 ft. run of PVC with a 40 degree Fahrenheit temperature change?

To determine the expected expansion of a 200-foot run of PVC due to a temperature change of 40 degrees Fahrenheit, we can use the coefficient of linear expansion for PVC, which is approximately 3.0 x 10^-5 inches per inch per degree Fahrenheit.

First, we calculate the total length of the PVC in inches, as the expansion is usually calculated in smaller units. Since there are 12 inches in a foot, 200 feet equals 200 x 12, which is 2400 inches.

Next, we apply the formula for linear expansion:

Expansion = Original Length x Coefficient of Expansion x Temperature Change

Substituting the values:

Expansion = 2400 inches x (3.0 x 10^-5 inches/inch/°F) x 40 °F

To break this down:

• First, calculate the coefficient of expansion times the temperature change:

3.0 x 10^-5 x 40 = 0.0012 inches per inch.

• Now, multiply this by the total length:

2400 inches x 0.0012 inches/inch = 2.88 inches.

However, rounding this can lead to approximate values. The answer