Self supporting arches for furnace roofs can be fabricated using silica bricks but not using magnesia bricks. Why?a)Silica has a significantly lower thermal expansion coefficient than magnesia at high temperatures.b)Silica has a significantly higher thermal conductivity than magnesia at high temperatures.c)Silica has a significantly lower melting point than magnesia.d)Silica is significantly more acidic than magnesia.Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Question

Answer

There are high temperatures inside a furnace if we use magnesia brics it causes expansion which will develop cracks in the furnace so we have to use bricks having low coeff of thermal expansion so silica bricks are a good option as they have lower thermal expansion than magnesia bricks

Answer

Thermal Expansion Coefficient:
- Silica bricks have a significantly lower thermal expansion coefficient than magnesia bricks at high temperatures.
- This means that silica bricks are less likely to deform or crack under the stress of high temperatures compared to magnesia bricks.

Explanation:
- When a furnace is heated, the materials used to construct the roof undergo thermal expansion.
- Silica bricks, with their lower thermal expansion coefficient, can better withstand this expansion without deforming or cracking.
- On the other hand, magnesia bricks, with a higher thermal expansion coefficient, are more prone to deformation and cracking under the same conditions.

Significance:
- The use of silica bricks for self-supporting arches in furnace roofs ensures the structural integrity of the roof at high temperatures.
- This choice is crucial for the safety and efficiency of the furnace operation.

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