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ANALYSIS

Linear expansion is the change in length of a material due to a change in


temperature. The experiment that was conducted is used to determine the coefficient of
linear expansion of a metal rod and the factors affecting the change in length in thermal
expansion.
In this experiment two metal tubes are used, the first tube is an aluminium metal
tube and the second one is a copper metal tube. We have to increase the temperature
of the two tubes with the use of a steam generator. To determine if the length of the
tube changes we use an expansion apparatus and a thermistor connected to a digital
multi tester.
To start the experiment first thing we need to is to measure and record all the
initial findings, measure the initial length of both tubes and the resistance of thermistor
at room temperature. After that we proceed on applying steam on the tube with the use
of the steam generator. Record the resistance of the thermistor when steam is applied
and the change in length of the tube. Do these on both aluminium and copper metal
tube. Also remember that when steam is generated to the tube make sure that the
condensed water must be drained out of the tube, elevate one end of the tube before
applying the steam on it. After getting all the data we can now compute for the
coefficient of linear expansion, compare it with the actual value and compute for the
percentage error.
In conducting an experiment we get different results. These differences in results
are caused by some factors that may affect the experiment or what we call errors. For
this experiment the first source of error we may encounter is the continuous change of
temperature inside the room because of ventilations. The changes in room temperature
will affect the resistance of the thermistor. Second source of error that we can encounter
is the condensed water coming inside the tube from the steam generator. Condensed
water must be drained from the tube because it will absorb the heat from the steam and
it can contribute to the change in resistance of the thermistor. Third possible source of
error is the generated steam on the tube, because the steam that should be applied on
the tube must be from boiling water at 100. Last possible source of error is the human
error or the errors from our carelessness and by not following the proper procedures. To
minimize these errors the first thing we all need to remember is to read all the
procedures and all the notes explained on the laboratory manual. Always keep in mind
all the reminders and lectures done by the instructor. For this experiment, this must be
done in a non-ventilated room to get the proper room temperature for the thermistor.

CONCLUSION

Thermal expansion is the tendency of matter to increase in volume or pressure
when heated. In the performed experiment we have identified that materials having a
change in temperature will have a change in dimension or length and that temperature
is directly proportional to the change in length of the material. This means that as the
temperature increases the material expands and if the temperature decreases the
material shrinks. Also we have seen that a material with bigger value of coefficient of
linear expansion expands more compared to those materials with smaller value of
coefficient of linear expansion. So we can say that the coefficient of linear expansion is
also directly proportional to the change in length of a material.
Factors that are affecting the change in a length in thermal expansions are the
coefficient of linear expansion and temperature. They are both directly proportional to
the change in length of a material.
We had acquired additional knowledge about linear expansion because of this
experiment. These things are the things that we are encountering every day. An
example of this are the electrical wires connected on the posts along the road. We can
see that as time passes by its length changes because of the changes in weather and
temperature in our country.

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