ABSTRACT.

The main focus of this experiment is to determine the coefficient of linear expansion of a
metal rod and also to determine factors affecting the change in length in thermal expansion. To do so, two
metal rods made from different materials were examined and tested for that principle. The length and the
temperature of the rods were initially recorded using the resistance of the metal rods. Afterwards, the rod
is heated by passing a steam in it using a steam generator. The change in length is measured using a
micrometer. The post resistance and temperature were also recorded. After experimentation, we found
out that temperature affects the dimension of an object. We also found out that aluminum has larger
numerical value of coefficient of linear expansion than copper which means aluminum expands greater
than copper. Apart from this, the obtained coefficient of linear expansion is compared to the actual value
of each rod. We had obtained an error of 37% and 38% for aluminum and copper metal, respectively.

INTRODUCTION dimensions, that is area and volume expansion.

Perhaps, in
examining the
strength of a in the amplitude of vibration of the atoms. For
bridge, civil
engineers
consider the
temperature of
the surrounding
where bridge is to be constructed. For some
time, its length might be shorter or longer than
its actual length. Temperature can affect
materials’ dimension. With relatively few
exceptions, all objects expand when they are
heated and contract when they are cooled,
including the materials used in bridges. Once it is
not considered, the project may lead to accidents
and disaster especially when it is done in a
extreme hot or cold place. This is the reason for
putting expansion joints in the bridge.
One of the basic properties of matter is the
temperature. In lay man’s term, it is the measure
of the hotness or coldness of a certain body and
is somewhat in line with the sense of touch. But
by formally defining it, it is related to the thermal
energy held by an object, which is the kinetic
energy of the random motion of the particles
composing it. Among other physical property of a
material, temperature is said to be one of the
most fundamental.
Temperature affects the dimensions of a certain
material. When an object is heated or cooled, it
expands or contracts in all dimensions. It is
known as thermal expansion. However, for
practical reasons, scientists and engineers often
focus on two different kinds of expansion – on
one and two dimensions. For one dimension, it is
linear expansion while for two and three
This expansion or contraction (negative
counterpart of expansion) is caused by a change
in the mean interatomic spacing due to a change
this experiment we are focusing on the one
dimension expansion for simplification purposes.
In the three first states of matter, gases are the
simplest and the most easily affected by
temperature. It is easily expands and
compressed in a small variance in temperature
unlike on liquids and solids upon comparison. It
is due to the orientation of the molecules
containing the matter. Gases can be easily
affected because its molecules are far away from
each other leading it to move easily. On the other
hand, solid is the least affected.
Most solids, like a metal rod expand when heated
and this expansion always occurs in three
dimensions. However, the thermal expansion of
solids is usually too small to be seen, but since
the expansion is proportional to the length of the
object, the expansion will be considerable if the
object is large. This can be attain by using the
formula
∆𝐿 = 𝛼𝐿0 (∆𝑡)
Where:
∆𝐿 is change of length
∆𝑡 is change in temperature
𝐿0 is the initial length
The formula is obtained from the principle that is
the change in length of solids is proportional to
the original length times the change
temperature. As we had learned, the expansion is
a function of temperature. The proportionality
constant is represented by the Greek letter,
alpha. This constant represents an individual
material which makes it as an identifier when
dealing with this type of matter.
The formula originally came from two
observations. It is found experimentally that the
increase in length of rod is directly proportional
to:
(a) Original length i.e., ∆L is prop. to L
(b) Temperature is raise, i.e., ∆L is prop. to
∆T
Combining (a) and (b):
∆𝐿 𝑖𝑠 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑡𝑜 𝐿0 (∆𝑡)
So,
∆𝐿 = 𝛼𝐿0 (∆𝑡)
For simplification purposes, we can rearrange the
formula in such a way that the constant is to be
determined given the other variables known.
∆𝐿
𝛼=
𝐿0 (∆𝑡)
The expansion of metal rod is proportional to its
length and the change in temperature. It is
increase in length per unit of length at initial
temperature per degree change in temperature.
For this particular experiment, the data we had
obtained allows us to determine the coefficient of
linear expansion of a metal rod. Also, it gave us
the chance to determine the factors affecting the
change in length in thermal expansion.
METHODOLOGY
The type of apparatus to be used in this
experiment may be one of the forms illustrated in
the figure found on Figure 1. These are the metal
rods, digital multitester, expansion base with
built in gauge and thermistor, foam insulator,
rubber tubing and steam generator. In either
form, the metal rod to be studied is placed in the
expansion base with built-in gauge and
thermistor. The two metal rods used are made
from aluminum and copper for the other. The
rods are locked in the expansion base using an
adjustable stop at one end. While on the other
Steam Hose
Generator
Micrometer Rod
Thermistor
Expansion Base and
Meter Sick
Multitester
Figure 1. Equipments Used in Experiment
301
side, makes contact with a device design to indi-
cate the change in length as the rod expands
(with the gauge). The steam for heating the rod
is supplied by a boiler which is connected by a
rubber hose to the inlet. The thermistor is get in
touch with the metal rod which tells resistance
using the temperature of the object. The
multitester is then be used to read the resistance
told by the thermistor. For this experiment, we
are to use a digital multitester for a more
convenient measuring. The steam generator
which produces the steam is covered by a foam
insulator.
First thing we should do in the experiment is to
record what type of rod is to be use, the initial
length of the rod and the temperature of the
system using its resistance. The resistance is
showed in the multitester. To use the multitester,
the two pointers is to be placed in the holes
found in the expansion base. The two pointers
(red and black) can be interchanged. The
resistance n the multitester has a counterpart
temperature found in the table (still, can be
found in the expansion base). The initial length of
the rod is measured using a meter stick. Instead
of using highly accurate measuring equipment,
we just use it since it doesn’t affect much the
result. The gathering of the data must be done
before heating the rod.
 The percentage error.
adjusting
end The method is to be repeated from the start for
where the second rod. But before doing that, make sure
the that the thermistor is at room temperature. Also,
gauge is we should avoid tapping the table to obtain an
located accurate gauge reading. If desired, we could
must be perform another trial but make sure that the rod
pushed to be used is at room temperature.
until the
pointer Set up of Experiment 1:
is not moving to make sure that there is no
space. The pointer is adjusted in the zero mark
by rotating the gauge. By that we can easily read
the gauge reading later.

For heating, we will use a steam generator. We The set up shown above is composed of steam
must remember that carefulness is to be generator, expansion base, a dial gauge,
observed in using this equipment. It is filled with thermistor and the rods being studied. As
water of about half of its full capacity. It is temperature of the rod increases due to steam,
covered by the foam insulator. There is a the rod expands which is measured using the dial
mounted hole there where the rubber hose is to gauge. It is seen that the right part is higher than
be connected. Once generating steam, the other the left part for the water to let out. A thermistor
end of the hose is then connected to the rod and will be used in obtaining the temperature by
let steam pass through the rod. At this time, we measuring the resistance in the rod.
will wait for about half of a minute until the
steam come out. We will start recording the
temperature or resistance when the gauge
pointer stops to rotate. We will also record the
gauge reading or the change in length of the rod.
One complete revolution of the pointer means
one millimeter. It is divided into 100 parts so a
half revolution means 50 parts or 0.50 mm. The
obtained
data will be
used in
getting the
experiment
al value of
the alpha,
linear
Similarly to the diagram above we proved the
coefficient
theory of the coefficient of thermal linear
of
expansion. The micrometer form was referred to
expansion.
as the “dial gauge.” As well as the thermometer
It is
was used along with the “thermistor” as shown in
compared
the diagram. The metal used were aluminum and
with the
copper with a standard expansion coefficient of
theoretical
2.38 x 10-5 and 1.68 x 10-5, respectively.
value by
computing
the
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION usage of resistance, we could say that the
temperature determination is nearly accurate
During heat transfer, the energy that is stored in because it directly measures the temperature of
the intermolecular bonds between atoms the rod. Since the resistance range have a
changes. When the stored energy increases, so temperature counterpart (increment of 1 0C), we
does the length of the molecular bond. As a could use interpolation of the data for the
result, solids expand in response to heating and corresponding temperature of a specific
contract on cooling. This response to resistance.
temperature change is expressed as its
coefficient of thermal expansion. The linear Since the temperature is based on resistance, the
thermal expansion coefficient relates the change thermistor, which measure the resistance of the
in temperature to the change in a material’s rod must be properly contacted to it. For an error
linear dimensions. It is the fractional change in of 10,000 Ω, the result is still the same. So, it
the length of a bar per degree of temperature doesn’t produce much deviation.
change.
In heating the rod, the steam produced passed
From our preliminary observations, we had through the rod. As steam passes, heat transfer
obtained that aluminum and copper rods have occurs from the steam to the rod. Because of
the following: that, sudden expansion of the rod occurs. Since
enough heat is transferred, the steam returns
Type of Tube Aluminum Copper back into water and stuck inside the tube.
Tube Tube Because of that, heat from the rod may be
Initial Length of 705.1 mm 705.2 mm transferred to water. To avoid that, the rod
Tube, Lo should be oriented in an inclined position for
Initial Resistance 114200 Ω 111700 Ω water not to stock.
of Thermistor at
Room The heat transfer between the rod and steam is
Temperature, Rrm limited since the experiment is designed such
Initial 20 °C 22 °C that steam can only supply a certain amount of
Temperature, trm heat. Once the rod reached its maximum
expansion (maximum temperature), we could
In measuring the initial length of the tubes, we start measuring the resistance of the rod. If we
only used a meter stick because it does not affect start measuring the resistance not at maximum
much the percentage error. It is reasonable expansion, we might be getting the correct
because based on the formula of percentage measure (much smaller than the actual).
error; the relativity of the length is used.
The fractional change in length which is a natural
An error of 1 mm is too small for the whole value quantity to use is the difference in length of the
or let me say: micrometer measurements (initial minus the
final) divided by the length of the metal rod used.
705.1 mm >>> 1 mm This is equivalent to the expansion coefficient
multiplied by the change in temperature of the
We observed that the room temperature is below metal rod used.
normal because of the air conditioner. Since the
metals are strong conductor, the temperature of For our result, it is shown below:
the room is the temperature of the rod. Instead
of using a thermometer (and measure the Type of Tube Aluminum Copper
temperature of the room), we use the resistance Tube Tube
of the rod which can be used in determining Change in Length of 1.27 mm 0.92 mm
temperature. This is only applicable for Tube, ∆L
temperature lower or equal to 100 0C. By that
 Resistance of 13100 Ω 11500 Ω The x values are the ∆t, while the y values are
Thermistor at Final the percent error. The graph shown above is
Temperature, Rhot logarithmic. For an actual value of 75 C0,
Final Temperature of 75 °C 78 °C produces an error of 0%. While in our
the Tube, thot experiment, we produce an error of 37% that has
Change in 55 C° 56 C° 20 Celsius degree difference from the assumed
temperature of the actual value. Based on the graph, for the change
Tube, (thot - trm) in temperature of 38 Celsius degree produces an
Experimental 3.27484E- 2.32963E- error of 100%.
Coefficient of Linear 05 /C° 05 /C°
Expansion, Aside from that great source of error, I couldn’t
αexperiment see any significant source from the values.
Despite of that, we still got a great error of 37%
The values of coefficient of linear expansion because we are dealing with microscopic
obtained using the formula obtained are 2.27x10 - measurements. So, it is possible to say that
5
/C0 and 2.33x10-5/C0 for aluminum and copper deviation in the numerical values leads to error.
respectively. It is observed that aluminum has The errors for both rods used are:
higher value of coefficient copper. It is due to
copper’s molecular weight is greater than Type of Tube Aluminum Copper Tube
aluminum. The aluminum can vibrate greater Tube
than copper because it is lighter. So, as Percentage of 37.5983923 38.6686268
temperature changes, the molecules of aluminum error 3% 4%
move more rapidly than heavier molecules of
copper. As a result, expansion of aluminum Aside from linear expansion, there is also area
became significant even at smaller temperature and volume expansion for two and three
change than copper. dimensions. For this experiment, we focused on
one dimension, just to prove the law of thermal
Among all parameters, the change in expansion.
temperature greatly affects the experimental
value of coefficient of linear expansion. Taking CONCLUSION
aluminum as our example, based on our result
(assume that other numerical values are accurate In the experiment, we are aimed to determine
and doesn’t produce any error): the coefficient of linear expansion of a metal rod
and to determine the factors affecting the change
For every mistake of 1 0C: in length in thermal expansion.

120 And upon by carefully doing the necessary

procedures of the experiment and by interpreting
100 the obtained data and results, we found out that
dimension of solid objects are affected by
80 temperature. The change in length of an object is
proportional to its original length and to the
60
change in temperature. As we increase
temperature, the length also increases
40
(expansion) while when we decrease the
20 temperature, the length of the object decreases
(contraction).
0
38 48 58 68 The objects expand and contract based on
temperature due to molecules of an object
vibrates greater than at lower temperature. The
amplitude of vibration becomes greater resulting
to expansion.
It is also found out that copper has less
coefficient of linear expansion than aluminum. It
is due to copper has greater molecular weight
than aluminum. So, aluminum expands greater
than aluminum.
It is obtained that the greatest factor in error
accumulation is the error in measuring
temperature. Also, deviation can be considered
because we are dealing with microscopic
measuring. We also account for not tilting the rod
while steam is not flowing. It is because the
water may stock inside the tube and causes error
in the actual temperature. Despite of this, we can
say that our experiment is quite well done.
The application of this experiment has a great
significant to us. We may strengthen bridges and
other constructions by considering expansion of
the body. Because of this principle, we may be
able to predict how much space must be
allocated to in constructions to avoid harmful
accidents.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
First and foremost, I want to acknowledge my
fellow group companion for giving me her full
hands in making up the experiment. My warmest
gratitude to Mr. Deduyo, Mami Red and Ms.
Gimena for the help on performing the
experiment, to Ms. Ang for the recording of the
data and Mr. Borres, even though he is not one
of our group mate, for helping us in making up
the experiment. If you weren’t there, I can’t
make a good result so thus a good report.
I also like to express our earnest gratitude to
Prof. De Leon not only for imparting to us some
of her insights regarding the experiment, but also
for some of her ideas of what would be the
theoretical result.
I also thank again the Library for lending to us
their computer services.
I want to acknowledge the author of our text
book, Mr. Young of University Physics, for writing
some of his ideas there regarding thermal
expansion.
Finally, I would like to thank my brother for
letting me first to use the computer to make this
work report.
REFERENCES
[1] Young, H., Freedman, R., University Physics
with Modern Physics, 11th Edition, 2004
[2] Bernard, C.H., Laboratory Experiment in
College Physics, 7th Edition, 1995
[3] en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermal_expansion
[4] http://www.physics.info/expansion/
[5] http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/
591408/thermal-expansion
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