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Expt3 - Methodology - Linear Expansion

This document describes an experiment to determine the coefficient of linear expansion of different materials using a linear expansion apparatus. The methodology involves measuring the initial length of a rod, heating it using steam, and measuring the change in length. The coefficient of linear expansion is then calculated using the change in length and the initial and final temperatures. The experiment is repeated for other rods made of different materials like steel, copper, and brass. References for the linear expansion apparatus and coefficient of linear expansion values are also provided.

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Ann Kim
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179 views

Expt3 - Methodology - Linear Expansion

This document describes an experiment to determine the coefficient of linear expansion of different materials using a linear expansion apparatus. The methodology involves measuring the initial length of a rod, heating it using steam, and measuring the change in length. The coefficient of linear expansion is then calculated using the change in length and the initial and final temperatures. The experiment is repeated for other rods made of different materials like steel, copper, and brass. References for the linear expansion apparatus and coefficient of linear expansion values are also provided.

Uploaded by

Ann Kim
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING
INSTITUTE OF INFORMATION AND COMPUTING SCIENCES
PHYSICS 104L, PHYSICS LABORATORY

Coefficient of Linear Expansion (Manual)

Materials: Linear expansion apparatus, steel, copper and brass tubes, steam generator, and rubber
tubing

Methodology:

1] Measure the length of the rod using a meter stick and record it as the initial length, L
0
, in the Data
Table.
2] Determine the room temperature and record it as the initial temperature, T
0
.
3] Connect the apparatus as shown below in Figure 1a.

Figure 1a. Linear Expansion Experiment using a Steam Figure 1b. Linear Expansion Apparatus by LD Didactic GmbH (n.d.).
Generator by LD Didactic GmbH (n.d.).

4] Adjust the tube while tightening the screw so that the scale pointer indicates a zero reading.
5] Fill the steam generator with water
3
4
its capacity. Cover it tightly, then connect it to the tube outlet
near the scale with rubber tubing. Connect another rubber tubing to the other outlet with its other end
connected to an empty container.
6] Connect the steam generator to 220 V source. Wait until water boils and steam is passed into the tube.
7] The expansion of the rod will be indicated by the scale reading. Record it as the change in length, !L,
of the tube, at the final temperature. Record the steam temperature as the final temperature, T
f
, of
the tube.
8] Compute for the coefficient of linear expansion of the rod using the formula: !=
!L
L
0
(T
f
-T
0
)

9] Repeat procedures 1 to 8 with the other rods.

Table 1. Coefficient of Linear Expansion of some common solids by C.H. Colwell (2014).

References:
LD Didactic GmbH. (n.d.). Longitudinal Expansion Apparatus Instruction Sheet. Retrieved from:
http://www.ld-didactic.de/documents/en-US/GA/GA/3/381/381341e.pdf
Colwell, C.H. (2014). PhysicsLAB. Retrieved from
http://dev.physicslab.org/PracticeProblems/Worksheets/APB/Heat/thermalexpansion.aspx

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