How much contraction occurs for 1,200 feet of conduit if the temperature drops from 94°F to 54°F?

To determine the amount of contraction that occurs over a length of conduit when the temperature changes, the formula for linear thermal expansion can be used. The equation is:

[ \text{Change in Length} = \text{original length} \times \text{coefficient of thermal expansion} \times \text{change in temperature} ]

For example, the coefficient of thermal expansion for conduit is typically around 0.0000065 per degree Fahrenheit. The original length is 1,200 feet, which needs to be converted into inches since the final answers are given in inches.

1. Convert feet to inches:

[

1,200 \text{ feet} \times 12 \text{ inches/foot} = 14,400 \text{ inches}

]

2. Calculate the change in temperature:

[

94°F - 54°F = 40°F

]

3. Now, apply the values to the formula:

[

\text{Change in Length} = 14,400 \text{ inches} \times 0.0000065 \text{ per °F} \times 40°F