Principle and Working:
The Data Logger based Thermal Expansion Apparatus provides easy and accurate measurements for the coefficient of linear expansion for brass, copper, and aluminum. With this thermal expansion model, students no longer have to convert resistance readings to temperature values using a conversion table. Data Logger provides immediate temperature feedback in either degrees Celsius (C) or Fahrenheit (F). A software setup CD comes with the apparatus, which includes the predefined variables and equations for measuring temperature in degrees Celsius. For the length measurement, the brass, copper, or aluminum tube is placed on the expansion base. The length of the tube is measured at room temperature, then steam is passed through it. The expansion of the length of the metal rod is measured with 0.06 degree resolution using the Rotary Motion Sensor. Temperatures are measured to within +0.1°C using a surface temperature sensor attached to the centre of the tube. To investigate the expansion of the metals at additional temperatures, hot or cold water can be passed through the metal tubes.
