Thermal Expansion of Metals

Title: Thermal Expansion of Metals.

Abstract: In this experiment, aluminium and brass rods of 330mm and 328mm respectively were used to measure the thermal expansion of different metal materials. It is to investigate the thermal expansion coefficient of metal rods by measuring the relative change in length of the materials using, . The result of this experiment is as we expected theoretically.

Introduction: The aim of this experiment is to determine the thermal expansion coefficient of aluminium and brass by measuring the relative change in length of bars of the materials as a function of temperature. Besides, the objectives are to allow students to practice writing the aim and listing the equipment used in the experiment. Moreover, students are able to develop graph drawing and interpretation skills. This experiment has used two different metals; aluminium and brass, to investigate the different coefficient of thermal expansion. According to the linear thermal expansion coefficient, can be used to calculate the linear coefficient if the change in temperature remains approximately constant throughout the experiment. The ΔL/Lo and ΔT were calculated after the experiment was completed.

Materials and equipments:

Bunsen burner

Screw stop

Steam jacket

Thermocouple thermometer

Dial gauge

Aluminium rod

Brass rod

Kettle

Methods and procedures:

1. A small amount of water was put in the copper kettle. The kettle was placed on the tripod with an asbestos mat and heated with the Bunsen burner.

2. The rest of the apparatus was set up.

3. The initial length, Lo, was marked on the apparatus and the room temperature.

4. The temperature of the bar with the thermocouple thermometer was noted with the water boiled. The dial gauge was noted too. These results were the initial conditions.

5. The Bunsen burner was turned off.

6. The temperature and the dial gauge reading were noted as the bars cooled every ten degrees or so. The...