Abstract

The experiment centers on thermal expansion and to determine the coefficient of

thermal expansions of solids and liquids, two activities were conducted. In the first
activity, a linear expansion apparatus was used to get the coefficient of thermal
expansion of solids. While the second activity, a pycnometer was used to get the
coefficient of thermal expansion of liquids.
Methodology
Activity1: Thermal Expansion of Solids
The initial length of the rod to be tested was measured. It was placed inside the steam
jacket and was closed tightly both ends with stopper, leaving out a small portion of each
end of the rod for necessary contacts. The steam jacket in the metal frame was
mounted. The first cutlet was connected by means of rubber tubing to the boiler. The
initial temperature of the rod was measured by inserting a thermometer through the
central hole of the jacket. The metal frame was connected to the galvanometer. The
micrometer screw was moved so that it just touches the end of the rod as indicated by a
sudden movement of the galvanometer needle. The initial reading of the micrometer
disc was recorded. The disc was unwind so that the rod can expand freely. The rod was
heated for 20 minutes by means of steam coming from the boiler. The final temperature
of the rod was recorded. The disc was moved until it is contact again with the rod. The
final reading of the disc was then recorded. The coefficient of linear thermal expansion
of the rod was computed. The % error was also computed.
Activity 2: Apparent Coefficient of Expansion of Water
The dry pycnometer was weighed and was recorded as W 1. It was filled with water. The
room temperature was then recorded. The pycnometer with water was heated about 30
Celsius degrees above room temperature. The temperature was recorded as t 1. The
pyncometer and water was weighed again and was recorded as W 2.The pycnometer
and water was cooled to room temperature. The pycnometer and water was heated
about 50 Celsius degrees above room temperature. This temperature was recorded as
t2. The pycnometer with water was weighed at this temperature. The weight was
recorded as W3. The coefficient of expansion of water using the formula was computed.