COEFFICIENT OF LINEAR EXPANSION
OBJECTIVE
To measure the linear expansion coefficients of three different metals (aluminum, copper
and steel) by observing how these materials expand and contract with changes in
temperature. In addition, we will incorporate simple mathematical modeling techniques
to fit curves to empirical data.
BACKGROUND
When heat is added to most materials, the average amplitude of the atoms' vibration
within the material will increase. This, in turn, increases the separation between the atoms
causing the material to expand. If the temperature change, T , is such that the material
does not go through a phase change, then it can be shown that the change in the object's
length, L , is given by the equation
L = Li T equation 1
where Li, is the initial length of the object before heat is added, and , is the linear
expansion coefficient of the material. Accepted values of the three materials are given
below in Table 1.1.
This effect, however, is not simply limited to materials whose temperature has increased.
If energy is removed from the material then the object's temperature
will decrease causing the object to contract. The temperature change, T , from Equation
1 is always found by subtracting the initial temperature of the object from the final
temperature, or T = Tf − Ti . Therefore, if T <0, L will also be negative, indicating a
length contraction.
From Equation 1, we see that L , is not only dependent on T , but also on the initial
length of the object, Li. So, the longer the object, the greater change in its length.
Although the phenomena of linear thermal expansion can be problematic when designing
bridges, buildings, aircraft and spacecraft, it can be put to beneficial uses. For instance,
household thermostats and bi-metallic strips make use of the property of linear
expansion.
With the apparatus shown as the rod expands, the movable end pushes against the short
arm of the bent lever. This pushes the long arm of the lever along a graduated scale.
Rubber tubing from boiler
(steam in) Thermometer
Stopper
Fixed end Stopper
Rubber tubing to beaker
(steam out)
APPARATUS
Thermal expansion apparatus (Lever Form), steam boiler, electric stove, hand gloves,
beaker, rubber tubing, and metal rods (Al, Cu, steel).
PROCEDURE
1. Assemble the apparatus. Fill the boiler about half full of water. Be sure the boiler cap is
screwed on firmly, to prevent unwanted steam escape. Connect the rubber tubing from
the boiler to the steam jacket. Connect another rubber tubing to direct the exhaust steam
into a beaker where it can condense without dripping on the table. Insert a thermometer
in the sidearm cork of the steam jacket.
2. Measure the length of the specimen (metal rod) and record as Li. Insert the rod into the
jacket.
3. Heat the boiler using an electric stove. As the rod expands, do not let it exert force
against the micrometer screw. This could bend the entire frame of the instrument.
4. Switch off the stove when the thermometer reading is 100ºC.
5. Disconnect the rubber tubing (steam in) from the water jacket using a heat-resistant
glove.
6. Bring the micrometer screw into contact with the rod only when taking readings,
and then screw it out again.
7. Take the first scale reading when the temperature is at 95ºC and record as R1 and T1,
respectively. Take subsequent reading(s) every 15º fall in temperature.
TABLE 1.1
Material Coefficient of Linear Expansion (per ºC)
Aluminum 2.3 x 10-5
Copper 1.7 x 10-5
Steel 1.1 x 10-5
TABLE 1.2
Material = ________________
Length of the rod = 57 cm
Trial Temp. Reading, T Scale Reading, R ΔT ΔL
n (ºC) (cm) (ºC) (cm)
1
2
3
4
5
6
The linear expansion coefficient, α, can now be determined from the slope of ΔL vs. ΔT.
For slope − int ercept form of a line :
y = mx + b
L = L i T
m = slope = Li
slope
=
Li
Graph of ΔL versus ΔT
ΔL (cm)
0
ΔT (ºC)
CALCULATION
L
1. slope = =
T
slope
2. computed = =
Li
computed − s tan dard
3. % error = x100 =
s tan dard
