Linear expansion of metals

Principle

Metal tubes are heated with steam. The linear expansion of three different metals is determined with the aid of a rotating-shaft pointer. From this the metals' coefficient of linear expansion is determined (Supplementary problem). The use of a rolling-shaft pointer is advantageous because the resulting indication of expansion is frictionless. The functional principle of a rotating-shaft pointer can be easily demonstrated in a simple experiment and studied by the students. The students should do this before they calculate the change in length Δl in "Evaluation".
 
 

Benefits

• Real stand material for an esecially stable and safe setup
• Student-suitable experiment descriptions with reports available