Name: Roallos, Gene Lowelle A Date: April 22, 2024

Course, Year, & Section: BSCE - 1C Group No.: 4

Experiment 7
LINEAR THERMAL EXPANSION

Data Table 1

Material of Metal Tube

Aluminum Copper
Initial Length, Lo
70 cm 70 cm
Initial temperature, To
27 °C 27 °C
Initial Dial Gauge Reading
0 cm 0 cm
Final temperature, T
89 °C 90 °C
Final Dial Gauge Reading
0.110 mm 0.083 mm

Data Table 2

Material of Metal Tube

Aluminum Copper
Change in Dial Gauge Reading
0.110 mm 0.083 mm
Expansion of Metal Tube
0.10416 cm 0.07497 cm
Temperature Change
62 C° 63 C°
Coefficient of linear expansion (Experimental)
2.4 x 10-5 °C 1.7 x 10-5 °C
Coefficient of linear expansion (true value)
24 x 10-6 °C 17 x 10-6 °C
Percentage error
0% 0%

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Computations

Dial Gauge Reading = final − initial

Aluminum:
Dial Gauge Reading = 0.110 mm − 0 mm
= 0. 110 mm

Copper:
Dial Gauge Reading = 0.083 mm − 0 mm
= 0.083 mm

𝐓 = 𝐓𝐟 − 𝐓𝐨

Aluminum:
T = Tf − To
T = 89°C − 27°C
T = 62°C

Copper:
T = Tf − To
T = 90°C − 27°C
T = 63°C

∆𝐋 = αLo ∆T

Aluminum:
∆𝐋 = αLo ∆T
∆𝐋 = 24 x 10−6 °C (70cm) (62 C°)
∆𝐋 = 0.10416 cm

Copper:
∆𝐋 = αLo ∆T
∆𝐋 = 17 x 10−6 °C (70cm) (63 C°)
∆𝐋 = 0.07497 cm

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 ∆𝐿
𝛼𝑒𝑥𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑙 =
𝐿𝑜 ∆𝑇

Aluminum:
∆𝐿
𝛼𝑒𝑥𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑙 =
𝐿𝑜 ∆𝑇
0.10416 cm
𝛼𝑒𝑥𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑙 =
(70cm)( 62C°)
𝛼𝑒𝑥𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑙 = 2.4 x 10−5 °C

Copper:
∆𝐿
𝛼𝑒𝑥𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑙 =
𝐿𝑜 ∆𝑇
0.07497 cm
𝛼𝑒𝑥𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑙 =
(70cm)( 63C°)
𝛼𝑒𝑥𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑙 = 1.7 x 10−5 °C

𝛼𝑒𝑥𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑙 − 𝛼𝑎𝑐𝑐𝑒𝑝𝑡𝑒𝑑
Percentage Error = | | 𝑥 100
𝛼𝑎𝑐𝑐𝑒𝑝𝑡𝑒𝑑

𝛼𝑎𝑐𝑐𝑒𝑝𝑡𝑒𝑑 = 𝑇𝑟𝑢𝑒 𝑉𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒

Aluminum:
2.4 𝑥 10−5 °𝐶 − (24 𝑥 10−6 °𝐶)
Percentage Error = | | 𝑥 100
24 𝑥 10−6 °𝐶
Percentage Error = 0%

Copper:
1.7 𝑥 10−5 °𝐶 − (17 𝑥 10−6 °𝐶)
Percentage Error = | | 𝑥 100
17 𝑥 10−6 °𝐶
Percentage Error = 0%

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ANALYSIS OF DATA:

.
We used copper and aluminum to collect data for this experiment. Aluminum is 70
centimeters long and comes first. To determine the dial gauge reading, we subtracted
the final reading from the original. This starts at 0 mm and ends at 110 mm. An exact
110mm dial gauge reading was obtained. The total temperature was calculated by
subtracting the initial and final temperatures. Aluminum starts at 27 °C and finishes at
89 °C. Thus, the temperature was 62 °C. We multiply 24 x 10-6 by 70 cm and 62 °C to
get its entire length. This revealed the exact length—0.10416 cm. Divide the overall
length of 0.10416 cm by the aluminum's real length of 70 cm and multiply by 62 °C to
calculate the experiment. This formula yielded the observed solution, 2.4 x 10-5 °C. One
last thing: % inaccuracy. Divide the experimental value (2.4 x 10-5 °C) minus the
approved value (24 x 10-6) by the accepted value alone to get 0%.

Copper, however, exists. It starts at 0 mm and 27 °C and is 70 cm long like aluminum.

The ending temperature was 63 °C and 0.083 mm. Overall, the reading is 0.083 mm, and
the copper is 63 C. Next, determine the overall length, as with aluminum, but with
copper at 17 x 10-6 °C. We also multiply it by the copper's 70 cm length and 63 °C
temperature. This computed to 0.07497 cm. Next is the experimental value, which is
treated like aluminum but has a different length. which we calculated by dividing
0.07497 cm by 63 °C and multiplying by 70 cm of aluminum. Our experimental solution,
1.7 x 10-5 °C, is in this formula. Finally, error percentage. Aluminum has the same
formula as copper, although the experimental value for copper is 1.7 x 10-5 °C, whereas
the accepted value is 17 x 10-6 °C. Since it may also be calculated by dividing the
experimental value (1.7 x 10-5 °C) minus the approved value (17 x 10-6 °C) by the
experimental value alone, it similarly produces 0%.

Despite having the same length, temperature, and 0 dial gauge reading, copper and
aluminum will react differently when subjected to severe temperatures. We can
suppose that severe temperature affects aluminum more than copper since it reacts
more. Even though the initial dial gauge reading and temperature are the same, the
extreme temperature will affect the metal's outcomes, depending on its approved value.
Overall, the acceptable value will affect how these metals perform.

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CONCLUSION:
When investigating the coefficient of linear expansion for a metal rod, we begin by
manipulating the formula derived from the amount of linear expansion (∆L). In order to
accurately measure the variables within the formula, it is necessary to utilize tools like a
meterstick, an ohmmeter, and a thermometer during this experimental process. Through
meticulous measurements, we can reduce the margin of error in our calculations. It's
worth mentioning that every metal has its own coefficient of linear expansion, which is
influenced by differences in atomic structure and bonding forces. The coefficient of linear
expansion is a measure of how much a material expands or contracts per unit length
when its temperature changes.

QUESTIONS

1. Most modern electrical heating and cooling devices are provided with
thermostat. What is the purpose of the thermostat in these devices? Why are
these devices equipped with thermostats?

At first glance, a thermostat and a thermometer may appear quite similar.

Thermostats are specifically engineered to detect variations in temperature and
ensure a consistent temperature is maintained within enclosed objects. Typically,
a thermostat consists of a temperature sensor, control unit, and switching
mechanism. A thermostat is responsible for regulating the flow of gas or liquid,
controlling the passage of electricity to a heating or cooling unit, or managing the
supply of fuel to a burner. Thermostats play a crucial role in maintaining optimal
temperatures and conserving energy. Direct-detection warning systems utilize
thermostats as a crucial piece of equipment.

2. Aside from being transparent, why are laboratory apparatus such as

graduated cylinder, beakers, and flasks made up of glass?

Not only is it transparent, but it also allows for clear visibility of any alterations
and responses. Lab equipment such as graduated cylinders, beakers, and flasks are
commonly made from glass due to its benefits in terms of clarity, chemical
inertness, adaptability, ease of sterilization, durability, accurate calibration,
transparency, and corrosion resistance. In addition, it enhances the legibility of
calibration markers and ensures precise visual assessment for measuring
solutions. Glass is incredibly user-friendly and provides numerous advantages for
conducting experiments. The durability and dependability of this material make it
an excellent choice for scientific experimentation.

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3. What will happen to steel railroad tracks on a hot day if the tracks were laid
out during a cold day without clearance or gap? Justify your answer.

When materials are exposed to heat, they have a tendency to expand. This is
particularly true for metals, as they are excellent conductors of heat. When
railroad tracks are laid without proper clearance or gaps on a chilly day, they
can experience thermal expansion when it gets hot. This expansion can cause
the tracks to buckle or warp. This can lead to derailment and other safety
hazards. Accurate spacing is crucial for accommodating the thermal expansions
of materials on a warm day and ensuring safety on railroad track designs, a
task frequently undertaken by engineers.
4. A glass flask of volume 200 cc is just filled with mercury at 20oC. How much
mercury will overflow when the temperature of the system is raised to 100oC?
The coefficients of volume expansion are 1.2 x 10-5/Co for glass and 18 x 10-5/Co
for mercury.

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5. An aluminium rod is 12 cm long at 10oC. At the same condition, an iron rod
is 12.02 cm in length. At what temperature will the lengths of the two rods be
the same? For aluminium, α = 2.4 x 10-5/Co; for steel, α = 1.2 x 10-5/Co.