Determination of Coefficient of Linear Expansion of a Solid by Pullinger’s Method :-

The coefficient of linear

expansion of the given
material of the solid can be
determined by using
Pullinger’s Method.

The experimental set up for

the apparatus is shown in
the figure (i).

Figure (i) :- Pullinger’s Apparatus

CopyRight@Ajay.Budhathoki@bernhardt.edu.np
The Pullinger’s apparatus consists of a metal rod AB whose coefficient of linear expansion is
to be determined.
The rod AB is placed in a hollow tube where the steam is passed through the inlet valve ‘I’
and the steam goes out through the outlet valve ‘O’.
The one end of the rod i.e. A is fixed on a rigid support whereas the other end i.e. B is to
expand on heating.
A thermometer (T) is kept in the tube to measure the temperature of the rod.
An electrical circuit consisting of a battery, a key (k) and a galvanometer (G) are connected
in between the two terminals S1 and S2.
A Spherometer is adjusted so that its central leg just touches the end of the rod AB at the
end B. This is shown by the deflection in the galvanometer (G) if the key (K) is closed.
CopyRight@Ajay.Budhathoki@bernhardt.edu.np
First of all, the length of the rod AB is measured at the room temperature.
Let 𝑙1 be the length of the rod in the room temperature θ1℃ .
Now the rod AB is enclosed inside the hollow tube.
The central leg of the spherometer is made just contact with the end of the rod at the end B.
The circular scale reading of spherometer is noted down.
Let R1 be the initial circular scale reading of the spherometer.

Now, the central leg of the spherometer is turned back and the steam is passed through the
hollow tube until the temperature recorded by thermometer became constant when the
temperature remains constant for about 8 to 10 minutes.
The central leg of the spherometer is again made contact with the end B of the rod.
Then, the final circular scale reading is noted down.
CopyRight@Ajay.Budhathoki@bernhardt.edu.np
Let R2 be the final circular scale reading of the spherometer and θ2℃ be the steady
temperature recorded by the thermometer.
∴ Increase in length of rod ∆𝑙 = R2 − R1
∴ Increase in temperature ∆θ = θ2 − θ1
∴ Original length of the rod = 𝑙1

Hence, the coefficient of linear expansion of the rod (Solid) determined by Pullinger’s
Method is given by,
Increase in length
α =
Original length × Rise in temperature

R2 − R1
∴ α =
𝑙1 × θ2 − θ1

CopyRight@Ajay.Budhathoki@bernhardt.edu.np