Laboratory Report

Experiment 1 Coefficient of Linear Expansion

Ma. Andrea Nicole U. Guarin
HUB32
Abstract
The objective of this experiment is to measure the coefficient of linear
expansion of some metals. When an object is heated or cooled its length usually
changes. In the experiment conducted the Average Experimental Value of Coefficient
of Linear Expansion is 2.61x10-5/oC. The True Value of Coefficient of Linear Expansion
is 1.90x10-5/oC. Trial one had a very big percentage error of 64.2% while Trial 2 had a
low percentage error of 10%. The formula used to find the actual change in length of

the metal is L=(FR-IR)( b )

Set Up

Analysis and Interpretation

In the experiment adding the experimental value of trial 1 (3.12x10 -5) and trial
2 (2.09x10-5) gives the Average Experimental Value of Coefficient of Linear Expansion
which is 2.61x10-5/oC The True Value of Coefficient of Linear Expansion is 1.90x10 5

/oC. Trial one had a very big percentage error of 64.2% while Trial 2 had a low

percentage error of 10%. The formula used to find the actual change in length of the

metal is L=(FR-IR)( b ). FR means Final reading while IR means Initial reading of

the pointer. The a represents the length of the short arm while b represents the length
of the long arm. Trial 2 was used because it has a lower percentage error. The IR of
trial 2 is 0mm and the FR is 6mm. The length of the short arm is 42.5 while the
length of the long arm is 330mm.
Data and Results
Trial
1

Lo
572.5
570

To
28
35

Tf
100
100

t
72
65

L
1.29
0.77

3.12x10-5
2.09x10-5

Ave. Experimental Value of Coefficient of Linear Expansion = 2.61x10-5/oC

True Value of Coefficient of Linear Expansion = 1.90x10-5/oC
Percentage Error : Trial 1 = 64.2% ; Trial 2 = 10%

Computation
Trial 2:

L= (FR-IR) ( b )

42.5 mm
L= (6mm-0) ( 330 mm )
L= 0.77mm

L
Lo T

0.77 mm
( 570 mm )( 65C )

2.09x10-5

valueExperimental value
|TheoreticalTheoretical
|x 100
Value

Percentage Error=

1.90 x 1052.09 x 105

Percentage Error=
x 100
5
1.90 x 10
Percentage Error=10