Contraction joints are used between big slabs of concrete or asphalt during road construction. These joints prevent roads from cracking dur large changes in temperature. Physical properties of some common materials are given in the table. Material & }(c) Melting Point (( )^circ mathrm(C)) & Thermal Coefficient (10^-6 /( )^circ mathrm(C). at .20^circ mathrm(C)) & Density (mathrm(g) / mathrm(cm)^3) aluminum & 660 & 23 & 2.70 iron & 1538 & 11 & 7.87 rubber & 128 & 77 & 0.92 silicon & 1410 & 3 & 0.97 The thermal coefficient represents the increase in volume of the material when the temperature increases by one degree. Based on the data, which material is most likely to be used as a contraction joint? A. aluminum B. iron C. rubber D. silicon

To determine which material is most likely to be used as a contraction joint, we need to consider the thermal coefficient of expansion. The thermal coefficient indicates how much a material will expand or contract with temperature changes. For contraction joints, we want a material that can accommodate significant changes in volume with temperature fluctuations to prevent cracking.Let's analyze the given thermal coefficients:- Aluminum has a thermal coefficient of .- Iron has a thermal coefficient of .- Rubber has a thermal coefficient of .- Silicon has a thermal coefficient of .Rubber has the highest thermal coefficient, which means it will expand and contract the most with temperature changes. This property makes rubber an excellent candidate for contraction joints, as it can absorb the expansions and contractions of the road material without cracking.Therefore, the material most likely to be used as a contraction joint is:**Answer**: C. rubber