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A2 Coefficient of Linear Expansion

This laboratory activity focuses on measuring the linear thermal expansion of metal alloys, specifically brass and steel, and determining their coefficients of linear expansion. The procedure involves using a steam generator, a dial gauge, and various measuring tools to record initial and final readings of length and temperature. The results are to be compared and analyzed for accuracy and potential sources of error.

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Charles Uy
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14 views3 pages

A2 Coefficient of Linear Expansion

This laboratory activity focuses on measuring the linear thermal expansion of metal alloys, specifically brass and steel, and determining their coefficients of linear expansion. The procedure involves using a steam generator, a dial gauge, and various measuring tools to record initial and final readings of length and temperature. The results are to be compared and analyzed for accuracy and potential sources of error.

Uploaded by

Charles Uy
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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PHYSICS FOR ENGINEERS 2 LABORATORY ACTIVITY 2

COEFFICIENT OF LINEAR EXPANSION


I. ACTIVITY LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the activity, you should be able:


a. To measure the linear thermal expansion of some metal alloys.
b. To determine the linear expansion coefficients of some metal alloys.

II. MATERIALS

1 Longitudinal expansion apparatus


1 Dial gauge, 10 mm.
1 Holder for Dial Gauge
1 Thermometer
1 Steam Generator
2 Silicon Tubing
1 Petri dish
1 Meter stick

III. PROCEDURE

1. Fill the steam generator with a half-full of water.


2. Measure the length of the rod, Li, and record your data in the given table.
3. Connect the expansion apparatus to the steam generator using the silicon tubing, that is, connect the
open end of the brass (or steel) rod and the hose nipple to the hose nipple of the steam generator.
4. Calibrate the dial gauge to zero by rotating the screw (see illustration above) connected to the tube. Be

5. Measure the initial temperature, Ti, of the metal rod by placing the thermometer on top of the rod,
sure not to make it too tight so the rod will have space for expansion.

middle part, and record your data in the table. Do not place the thermometer near the dial gauge to
avoid pushing the needle of the dial gauge.
6. Switch on the steam generator and consistently hold the thermometer until the needle of the dial gauge
stops moving.

length, ΔL, of the metal rod in Table 2.1 and Table 2.2 (Trials 1 and 2). Do not forget that the unit of
7. Record the maximum temperature reading, T f, and the reading in the dial gauge as the difference in

the dial gauge per line reading is 0.01 mm (this is the expansion of the metal rod).
8. Calculate the coefficient of linear expansion using the formula below.
∆L
∝=
Li ∆T
Activity 02 _ Coefficient of Linear Expansion Page 1
where: ∝ = coefficient of linear expansion
ΔL = change in length of the tube (Dial gauge reading)
Li = initial length of the metal rod
ΔT = change in temperature of the tube (Final temperature minus the initial
temperature of the rod)
9. Repeat the same procedure for the other metal rod. Make sure that the first rod used has cooled down
before replacing it. Replace the water in the steam generator. Record the readings in Table 2.3 and
Table 2.4.
10. Make two trials for each metal rod and compare the results.

Remarks: Check the connection of the silicon tubing to the metal rod to ensure that no hot water can
escape in an uncontrolled manner and cause damage or injury. Use a set of scratch papers or a small
cloth to hold the metal rod and the steam generator upon proceeding to the next trial

IV. DATA AND RESULTS

Table 2.1 Trial 1


BRASS: Theoretical value of the coefficient of linear expansion (per °C) = 2 x 10 -5
Difference in
Description Initial Reading Final Reading
Readings
Length of the Metal Rod, mm
Temperature of the Metal Rod. °C
Coefficient of Linear Expansion

Table 2.2 Trial 2


BRASS : Theoretical value of the coefficient of linear expansion (per °C) = 2 x 10 -5
Difference in
Description Initial Reading Final Reading
Readings
Length of the Metal Rod, mm
Temperature of the Metal Rod. °C
Coefficient of Linear Expansion

Table 2.3 Trial 1


STEEL: Theoretical value of the coefficient of linear expansion (per °C) = 1.2 x 10 -5
Difference in
Description Initial Reading Final Reading
Readings
Length of the Metal Rod, mm
Temperature of the Metal Rod. °C
Coefficient of Linear Expansion

Table 2.4 Trial 2


STEEL: Theoretical value of the coefficient of linear expansion (per °C) = 2 x 10 -5
Difference in
Description Initial Reading Final Reading
Readings
Length of the Metal Rod, mm
Temperature of the Metal Rod. °C
Coefficient of Linear Expansion

Table 2.5 Comparison of Results


Coefficient of Linear Expansion Brass Steel
Average value
Percentage error

V. GUIDE QUESTIONS FOR ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION

Activity 02 _ Coefficient of Linear Expansion Page 2


1. From the comparison of the results, what can you say about the difference in values you have
acquired for the coefficients of linear expansion after performing two trials?
2. Based on the result of the percentage error obtained, speculate on the possible sources of error
in your experiment?
3. If a steel bridge has a length of 4,200 feet and the temperature changes from 0°C to +40°C,
what will be its total expansion if the coefficient of linear expansion is 1.5 x 10-5 per °C? Show
your computation in the space provided

VI. CONCLUSION

VII. CREDITS

Created by: MPS Laboratory Committee


Version: 2.0
Modified: August 2019

VIII. REFERENCES

Young, Hugh D. and Freedman, Roger A. (2010). Sear’s and Zemansky’s University Physics
12th Edition. United States of America: Addison Wesley Longman, Inc.
Giancoli, Douglas C. (2001). Physics 5th Edition. Pearson Education, Asia Pte Ltd.

Activity 02 _ Coefficient of Linear Expansion Page 3

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