What is the purpose of the gaps in train tracks?
Expanding on other previous answers:Tracks have gap because metal needs space to expand and contract. In summer the tracks tend to expand (heat leads to expansion). And in winter, tracks tend to contract.If no gaps were left than the two bars of metal will fight to expand and lead to cracks in the rail. This is the same reason why you see perfectly spaced cracks or divisions in sidewalks, bridges, parking garages, and buildings.Ultimately, tracks have gap for safe expansion of the metal.Read more: Why_do_tracks_have_gaps