APSC 182 Matter and Energy I - Lab

Sep - Dec 2023

University of British Columbia Okanagan - Engineering

LAB 1: Measurement of Thermal Expansion

SAFETY NOTES:
Safety glasses must be worn at all times in the laboratory. No open shoes are
allowed. Long pants are required. Long hair must be tied back. You must have
completed the Canvas Safety Modules to enter the lab space.
This experiment includes handling of hot metal parts and steam supplied from the
steam generator. Leather gloves will be provided and must be used to prevent burns.
Long sleeves are suggested but not required.

Thermal Burns
Description:
• Touching hot equipment or being too close to an open flame will cause a
thermal (heat) burn.
Prevention:
• Be aware that hot & cold equipment may appear identical at times.
• Hold your hand near an item to feel for heat before handling.
• Use leather gloves to handle hot materials and equipment.
Treatment:
• Immediately alert the TA if you are burned.
• Immediately run cold water over the affected area and apply it until the pain is
reduced.
• Greases and oils should not be used to treat burns since they trap heat. Medical
assistance should be called for severe cases.

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 APSC 182 Matter and Energy I - Lab
Sep - Dec 2023
University of British Columbia Okanagan - Engineering

Introduction
Solid objects tend to expand slightly when heated. Although this expansion is relatively slight, it can
have significant consequences for the design and performance of machines and structures. The
amount of expansion is characterized by a material's coefficient of linear expansion (). Thus, a rod
of length L0 at a temperature T0 will undergo a change in length L when its temperature changes by
T:
L = L0T (1)

Although  is constant over the temperature range in this experiment, in fact, it is itself a function of
temperature.
 linear expansion will be measured for three different metals
In this experiment, the coefficient of
using a direct measurement of the length of a long tube held at different temperatures. A computer
data acquisition station will allow the simultaneous monitoring of temperature T and expansion L,
from which it will be possible to determine .

Setup and Experimental Procedure

All experimental data should be recorded on the Data Sheet (page 8).

Equipment
The apparatus for measuring the thermal expansion of a tube is pre-assembled on your station and
ready to use. The apparatus is shown in Figure 1. It consists of:
- 1 laptop computer and Pasco 750/850 Interface with USB connection
- 1 stand to support the metal tubes (TEU – thermal expansion unit)
- 1 steam generator
- 1 rotary motion sensor
- 1 thermistor temperature sensor
- 1 digital thermometer
- 3 metal tubes (brass, copper, and aluminum)
- 1 petri dish for catching H2O
- 1 digital caliper
- 1 pair of leather gloves
- 1 tape measure or 18" ruler

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 APSC 182 Matter and Energy I - Lab
Sep - Dec 2023
University of British Columbia Okanagan - Engineering

Pasco Steam
Interface Generator

Temp.
Sensor

Expansion tube
Pinion
Caliper

Figure 1. Experimental setup to measure the thermal expansion coefficient.

Procedure
The laptop computer is loaded with Pasco Capstone software. Connect the Pasco interface to the
laptop via USB.
Find and record the precision for all instruments used in this experiment!

1. Initial measurements1
1.1. Measure the distance (L) from the center of the retaining clip slot to the center of pinion (the
small-diameter axle on the RMS). See Figure 2.

Figure 2: Measurement of length, L.

1.2. Measure the diameter of the pinion with the digital caliper (see Figure 3).

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Record all your data in your log book and on the provided data sheet. It is recommended that each student maintain a
separate record of all data. Data will be provided electronically if labs are conducted online.

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 APSC 182 Matter and Energy I - Lab
Sep - Dec 2023
University of British Columbia Okanagan - Engineering

Figure 3. Pinion

2. Verify Test Setup

2.1. Fill the Steam Generator (SG) reservoir with water.
2.2. Turn on the SG, maximum heat ("hi"). Once the water starts to boil, turn the dial down to
"5".
2.3. Check the ambient temperature with the digital thermometer. Record the temperature on the
data sheet.
2.4. Dip the digital thermometer into the boiling water in the SG reservoir and record the boiling
temperature of the water.
2.5. With the thermistor at ambient temperature, start a run in Data Studio (should give a series
of points for temperature).
2.6. Check the RMS (rotary motion sensor) for computer reading response by turning the large
cylinder on the pinion.
3. Experiment
3.1. Put the rubber stopper into the SG, with the hose connected to one opening. Insert the
thermometer into the second opening (blocking the opening).
3.2. Attach the thermistor to the copper tube using the spring clip (see Figure 4).

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 APSC 182 Matter and Energy I - Lab
Sep - Dec 2023
University of British Columbia Okanagan - Engineering

Figure 4. Thermistor attachment to metal tube.

3.3. Place the copper tube in the TEU (thermal expansion unit), with the retaining clip in the slot
and the other end of the tube resting on the pinion. Hook the spring attached to the TEU
around the second retaining clip on the tube, so that it pushes the tube against the slot.
3.4. "Zero" the RMS by observing the readings on the computer and turning the large cylinder on
the RMS.
3.5. Connect the hose to the copper tube at the end opposite the RMS.
3.6. Start the data capture when the water in the SG starts to boil (or exceeds 95ºC) just before
you connect the hose to the copper tube. Record the starting temperature.
WARNING: if the tube begins its expansion before the data capture has been started, the data
will be false. In this situation, quickly remove the tube and set it aside to cool (takes about
20 minutes) or use a different tube.
3.7. When the copper tube is no longer expanding, stop the data capture and stop the flow of steam
by removing the hose.
4. Record the final temperature and the change in position (L) at the RMS on your data sheet.
5. Repeat steps 3.2 through 3.7 twice using the other two tubes (brass and aluminum).
6. Disconnect the RMS from the TEU and the thermistor sensor from the Pasco interface.
7. Turn off the steam generator (check that the other group is also finished).

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 APSC 182 Matter and Energy I - Lab
Sep - Dec 2023
University of British Columbia Okanagan - Engineering

Precision Measurements
Micrometers or calipers are used to measure precision-machined parts such as the pinion, in this
experiment. The accuracy of the computer data acquisition result depends directly on the micrometer
measurement of the diameter of the pinion. The Rotary Motion Sensor (RMS) detects the angular
displacement (in radians) of the pinion, which is rolled by the expanding metal tubes. The angular
change is converted to linear change in position (displacement or length) through the following
relation:
displacement, ΔL = Δs = angular change * radius
= Δθ (in radians) * r

The instructor will demonstrate proper micrometer scale technique for this experiment. Appendix A
below explains how to read the micrometer.
The infrared temperature sensor (ITS) is sensitive to the emissivity of various metals. If necessary,
the instructor will demonstrate how to set it for your needs.

Appendix A: How to read a digital caliper

(Adapted from http://www.technologystudent.com/equip1/vernier1.htm)

The Digital Caliper (sometimes incorrectly called the Digital Vernier Caliper) is a precision
instrument that can be used to measure internal and external distances extremely accurately. The
distances/measurements are read directly from an LCD display. The most important parts have been
labelled in the figure below.
Earlier versions of this type of measuring instrument (Vernier calipers) had to be read by looking
carefully at the imperial or metric scale. There was a need for exceptionally good eyesight in order
to read the small sliding scale. Manually operated Vernier calipers can still be bought and remain
popular because they are much cheaper than the digital version. The digital version requires a small
battery, whereas the manual version does not need any power source.
Digital calipers are easier to use as the measurement is clearly displayed. In addition, by pressing the
inch/mm button the distance can be read in metric or imperial units. The display is powered on and
off with the on/off button.
When turning the digital caliper on for the first time, loosen the locking screw, and bring the external
jaws together until they touch and press the Zero button. The digital caliper can then be used to
measure distances.

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 APSC 182 Matter and Energy I - Lab
Sep - Dec 2023
University of British Columbia Okanagan - Engineering

To measure, adjust the jaws (external for thickness, or internal for gaps such as a hole) to span the
distance to be measured. Tighten the locking screw to prevent the jaws from moving. The digital LCD
display can then be read directly. The measurement can be read in both metric and imperial units by
toggling the inch/mm button.

NOTE:
Upon completion of the lab, make sure the caliper is turned off. They will not turn
off by themselves.

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 APSC 182 Matter and Energy I - Lab
Sep - Dec 2023
University of British Columbia Okanagan - Engineering

DATA SHEET:
Name(s):______________________________Session and Group#:___________ Date:__________

Remember to get your TA signature on this data sheet

Linear Expansion Coefficient

Setup
Ambient temperature (Digital thermometer): _______________ºC
Boiling temperature (Digital thermometer): _______________ºC
Ambient temperature (thermistor): _______________ºC

Initial Measurements
Diameter of pinion: _______________mm
Copper tube length: L = _______________cm;
Brass tube length: L = _______________cm;
Aluminum tube length: L = _______________cm;

Expansion Measurements
Copper tube
Initial thermistor temperature: _______________ºC
Final thermistor temperature: _______________ºC
Angular displacement: _______________radians
RMS change of length: _______________m

Brass tube
Initial thermistor temperature: _______________ºC
Final thermistor temperature: _______________ºC
Angular displacement: _______________radians
RMS change of length: _______________m

Aluminum tube
Initial thermistor temperature: _______________ºC
Final thermistor temperature: _______________ºC
Angular displacement: _______________radians
RMS change of length: _______________m

 (Coefficient of Thermal Expansion) Calculations

Copper tube
 _______________

Brass tube
 _______________

Aluminum tube
 _______________

TA name & Signature: ………………………………………………………………….………………………………

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 APSC 182 Matter and Energy I - Lab
Sep - Dec 2023
University of British Columbia Okanagan - Engineering

Lab Report:
Please follow the instructions posted on Canvas "How to Write a Lab Report" and look at the
"rubric for lab reports" also posted on CANVAS. Both are in the Laboratory module.
Specific items to present/discuss for this report include the following.
• Introduction
o What causes and affects thermal expansion
o Definition of the linear coefficient
• Objectives
o In your own words
• Methods
o Sketch or block diagram of the experiment set-up and equipment
o Brief procedure - do not copy lab manual – see lab report instructions
• Results
o Calculate the coefficient of linear thermal expansion for each material and present them
in an organized table
• Discussion
o Discuss the differences in the values of the coefficient; are they as expected?
o Discuss the uncertainty in your calculations. Demonstrate the importance of the pinion
diameter measurement
o Relate the information gained in this lab to your understanding of thermal expansion
• Conclusions
o See lab report instructions
• References
• Appendix 1: Signed results sheet
• Appendix 2: Example Calculations. One example coefficient calculation.

❖ Lab report due: one week from your scheduled lab start time. Lab reports
must be uploaded on Canvas by one student in your lab group.
❖ If you require an extension on a lab report for an extenuating circumstance,
you must email your TA at least 24 hours before the due date for an
extension. Late marks will be deducted at 5% per 12 hours late.
❖ You must attend the lab to get a mark for that lab – you may not write a lab
report for a lab that you did not attend

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 APSC 182 Matter and Energy I - Lab
Sep - Dec 2023
University of British Columbia Okanagan - Engineering

❖ If you need to miss a lab for a valid reason (I.e illness) you must let the TA
know BEFORE the start of your lab time! A doctor's note will not be required
the first time you are sick. If you are missing more than one lab due to illness
a doctor's note is required. If you email the TAs before the start of the lab you
will be excused from that lab. The lab mark will show up as a (dash) on your
Canvas and will be omitted from your final mark calculation (all your other
labs will count for slightly more of your mark to compensate for the omitted
lab).
❖ If you show up more than 15 minutes late or do not email BEFORE the start
of your lab with a valid excuse, you will not be permitted to complete the
lab and will receive a grade of zero on that lab report.

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