First: Purpose

Measure the coefficient of linear expansion for steel, copper and aluminum.
Equipment:

Thermal expansion apparatus,

three metal tubes; copper, aluminum, steel.
foam insulator,
thermoplastic tubing,
steam generator,
banana plug patch cords,
voltmeter,
meter stick,
wooden block or wedge,
beaker and water proof container.

Third: Procedures
1- Fill the glass with quantity of water and fixed it properly above the
source of flame.
2- Open the gas cylinder and safe cock at the lab.
3- Operate flame.
4- Put glass cub at the end of the metal to collect condensing steam.

Fourth: Results and Conclusion

1- Water evaporates and passes in a hose to the pipe where expansion

coefficient shall be measured
2- The indicator moves for some millimeters due to heat effect on the
metal
3- The highest expansion occur when the glass is about to be empty of
the water
Fifth: results table
Metal
Aluminum
Copper
Steel

L0
400
400
400

L1
402
404
401

L = L1- L0
402-400= 2mm
404 400 = 4 mm
401 400 = 1 mm

3.5
3.0
0
2.5
2.0
0
1.5
1.0
0
.5
10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

110

120