When using a chain or tape in surveying, what is generally true regarding temperature effects?

In surveying, it is crucial to understand that temperature has a significant effect on the length of measuring tapes or chains. As temperature increases, the materials, whether they are metal or other substances, expand. This expansion results in an increase in the length of the tape or chain. Conversely, when temperatures decrease, the materials contract, leading to a decrease in the measured length.

This principle is grounded in the physical properties of materials. For example, the coefficient of linear expansion describes how the dimension of a material changes with temperature fluctuations. During measurements, if a surveyor does not account for temperature, it can lead to inaccuracies due to the intrinsic changes in length caused by thermal expansion or contraction.

Understanding this effect is vital for achieving accurate and reliable results in surveying. Thus, in the context of using a chain or tape, it is generally true that the length increases with temperature, making this the correct answer.