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Physics Demo Number: 125

Approximate

Run Time: 5 min

Ball and Ring for Linear Expansion Upon Heating

Demo Description

A ball and a ring, each of the same material and each with a wooden handle cover are available to be heated with a propane torch.

Scientific Principles

Linear expansion of metals when heated.

Equipment

Ring
Ball
Propane Torch

Equipment Location

Kit (125) in [D-3-5] ( same kit as (149) and (098) ).

Instructions

Pictured are a metal ball and a metal ring, each mounted on the end of rod with a wood handle, as well as a propane tank and torch for heating the ball and/or the ring.

The tank and torch and the ball and ring are found in Kit (125) on [D-3-5].

If the room temperature state of affairs is such that the ball will pass freely through the ring , then heating the ball alone will cause the ball to no longer pass through the ring.

If the room temperature state of affairs is such that the ball will not pass through the ring, then heating the ring alone will allow the ball to pass through the ring.