THERMAL EXPANSIVITY (2): Linear, Area and Volume Expansivity

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
By the end of the lesson students should be able to:
 Distinguish between Linear, Area and Volume Expansivity
 Analyse the Anomalous expansion of water
 Establish a relationship between Linear, Area and Volume Expansivity
 Distinguish between Real and Apparent expansion of a liquid and explaining the
relationship between them
 Perform an experiment to show that expansivity is proportional to temperature
change

LINEAR EXPANSION

The linear expansivity α of a substance is defined as the increase in length per unit length per degree
rise in temperature.

In symbols, this is equivalent to:

l 2−l 1 e
α= = …………………….(1)
l 1 ( θ 2−θ1 ) l1 θ

Where;

α =lim ear expansivit y

l 1=length of metal at temperature θ1

l 2=length of metal at temperature θ2

θ=temperature rise which is given by θ 2−θ1

e=l 2−l 1=expansion∨increase∈lengt h

increase∈length
α=
original length× temperature rise

The unit of α is per oC or per K (K-1)

The statement that the linear expansivity of copper is 0.000017 K -1 or 0.000017/0C means that a unit
length of copper expands by 0.000017 units when it is heated through 1 K (or 1 0C) rise in
temperature.

From equation 1, increase in length, e=l 2−l 1=l 1 αθ

l 2=l 1 (1+αθ )………………………(2)

The value of linear expansivity (α ¿ differs from substance to substance. It is highest in metals
Table 1.0 Linear Expansivity

Substance Linear Expansivity K-1

Platinum 0.000009
Iron 0.000012
Copper 0.000017
Brass 0.000018
Aluminium 0.000023
Lead 0.000029
Zinc 0.000030
Invar (Alloy) 0.000001
Glass 0.0000085
Silica 0.0000004

ILLUSTRATION

1. A copper rod whose length at 300C is 10.0 m is heated to 500C. Find its new length. Take α for
copper as 0.000017 K-1

Solution

Length at 300C = l1 = 10.0 m

Let length at 500C = l2

Then l2 = l1 [1 +α ( θ2−θ1 )]

= 10[1 + 0.000017 x (50 – 30)]

= 10.0034 cm

2. A metal of length 15.01 m heated until its temperature rises by 60 0C. If its new length is 15.05 cm,
calculate its linear expansivity.

Solution

l 2−l 1
α=
l 1 ( θ 2−θ1 )

l2 = 15.05 m l1 = 15.01 m

temperature rise θ = 600C

15.05−15.01
α=
15.01 ×60

= 0.0000444 K-1
Experiment: To determine the Linear Expansivity of a Metal Rod

Procedure:

The length of the rod is first measured with a metre rule.

The rod is then inserted into the steam jacket.

One end of the metal rod is fixed firmly at A, the other end B lies just outside the steam jacket and is
free to move.

Cold water is run through the jacket. The initial temperature of the c9old rod is read with the
thermometer.

The micrometer is screwed up until it touches the free end of the rod and the reading of the
micrometer is taken. The micrometer is unscrewed from the end B of the rod to leave enough space
for the rod to expand.

Steam is now passed through the steam jacket for several minutes and the rod expands as a result of
this heating.

The micrometer is screwed to make contact with the rod again and the new reading of the gauge is
taken. The process is repeated until the reading of the micometer is constant.

The final steady temperature of the rod is read using the thermometer into the steam jacket.

OBSERVATION

The expansion of the rod is the difference between the initial and final micrometer readings.

The linear expansivity is calculated as follows:

Let the length of the rod be l (m)

Let the initial temperature of the rod be θ1

Let the final temperature of the rod be θ2

Let the initial micrometer reading be x1 (m)

Let the final steady micrometer reading be x2 (m)

 expansion(¿ change∈length)
Then α =
original length× temperature change

x2− x1
=
l ( θ 2−θ1 )

AREA OR SUPERFICIAL EXPANSIVITY, β

When a solid is heated, it expands in all directions (i.e. in length, breadth and height). Hence there is
an increase in the area as well as in the volume of the solid.

The area or superficial expansivity β of a solid is the increase in area per unit area per degree kelvin
increase in temperature or the fractional increase in area per Kelvin rise in temperature.

Area Or Superficial Expansivity β

change ∈area
=
original area× temperature rise

A 2− A 1
β= …………………(3)
A1 ×θ

Where A2 = area at temperature θ2

A1 = area at temperature θ1

θ = θ 2 – θ1

From equation 3:

A2= A 1 ( 1+ βθ )………………………….(4)

Increase in area = A2− A 1= A1 βθ

VOLUME OR CUBIC EXPANSIVITY, γ

This is the increase in volume of a substance per unit volume per kelvin rise in temperature or the
fractional increase in volume per kelvin rise in temperature.

change ∈volume
=
original volume × temperature rise

V 2−V 1
γ=
V 1× θ

Where V2 = volume at temperature θ2

V1 = volume at temperature θ1

θ= θ2 – θ1

From equation 4:

V 2=V 1 ( 1+γθ )………………………….(5)

Increase in volume = V 2−V 1 =V 1 γθ …………………..(6)

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LINEAR, AREA AND VOLUME EXPANSIVITY

Consider a sheet of a metal of length l1 and breadth b1. Let the length and breadth be l2 and b2 after
the sheet has been heated through a rise in temperature θ

Initial area of sheet = A1 = l1b1

Final area of sheet = A2 = l2b2

From equation 2: l 2=l 1 (1+αθ )

b2 = b1 (1+αθ )

Hence A2 = l2b2 = l1(1+αθ ) x b1(1+αθ )

= l 1 l 1 b1 ( 1+ 2 αθ+ α 2 θ2 )

Since α is a very small quantity, it can be neglected. Hence:

A2=l1 b1 ¿)…………………..(7)

But from equation 4:

A2= A 1 ( 1+ βθ )

Hence by comparing equation 7 and 4

β=2 α …………………………(8)

Hence the area or superficial expansivity, β , is twice the linear expansivity α

Similarly, using the same kind of calculation, the cubic or volume expansivity γ and linear expansivity
α are related by the equation:

γ =3 α ………………………..(9)

ILLUSTRATION

The linear expansivity of the material of a cube is 12 x 10 -6 K -1. If the length of each side of the cube is
10 cm, find the area of one face of the cube and the volume of the cube when its temperature is
raised by 30 K

Solution

Initial area of a face of cube A1 = 10 cm x 10cm = 100 cm2

Initial volume of cube V1

= 10 cm x 10 cm x 10cm = 1000 cm3

−6 −1
α =12 ×10 K
−6 −1
β=2 α =24 × 10 K
 −6 −1
γ =3 α =36 × 10 K

A2= A 1 ( 1+ βθ )

= 100(1+24 ×10−6 ×30)cm2

= 100.072 cm 2

V 2=V 1 ( 1+γθ )

`= 1000(1+36 × 10−6 ×30)cm2

= 1001.08 cm3

Anomalous (Unusual) Expansion Of Water

If water is heated let’s say from -15 0 C it expands normally like any solid but only
up to 0oC. At this point it starts to melt and it contracts.

This contraction will be observed up to 4 0 C.

When heated further water starts to expand up to boiling point.

This is the unusual expansion of water.

This makes the top of water to freeze ( 0 C) in temperate countries allowing the
one below to remain liquid (4 0 C). This supports marine life during winter.

REAL AND APPARENT EXPANSIVITY

Real expansion= Apparent expansion× expansion of the containe r

The real cubic expansivity of a liquid can be derived from the above relationship.

The real or absolute cubic expansivity (γ ¿¿ r )¿ of a liquid is the increase in volume per unit volume
per degree rise in temperature.

The apparent cubic expansivity (γ a ) of a liquid is the increase in volume per unit volume per degree
rise in temperature when the liquid is heated in an expansible vessel.
Because the apparent expansivity depends also on the cubic expansivity of the material of the
vessel, the real expansivity of a liquid (γ ¿¿ r )¿ is always more than its apparent expansivity (γ a ) .

It can be shown that the difference between the real and the apparent expansivity of a liquid is te
cubic expansivity of the vessel.

Hence;

γ r =γ a+ γ ………………………..(10)

Case Study: WAEC 1996

(a) Define the apparent cubic expansivity of a liquid

(b)(i) Describe with the aid of a labelled diagram, an experiment to determine the apparent cubic
expansivity of a liquid.

(ii) State two precautions that should be taken to ensure accurate results.

(c) A density glass bottle contains 44.25g of a liquid at 0°C and 42.02g at 50°C. Calculate the real cubic
expansivity of the liquid. (Linear expansivity of glass = 1.0 x 10 -5K−1)

Explanation

(a) The apparent cubic expansivity of a liquid is defined as the apparent increase in volume per unit
volume per unit rise in temperature.

(b)(i)

Procedure:

Density bottle dried and weighed, M1

Fill bottle with liquid, replace the stopper and wipe the bottle dry.

Weigh bottle and content M2

Suspend the bottle with content in a water bath.

Record the initial temperature of the water in the bath T1

Then heat water gradually up to boiling point. Notice that some liquid is expelled through the orifice
of the stopper and the water in the bath is allowed to continue boiling until no more liquid is
expelled through the orifice of the stopper.

Record the final temperature T2 of the water bath.

Remove the bottle from the bath, allow it to cool, wipe, dry it and reweigh M3.

Calculation:

Mass of the liquid expelled from the bottle = (M2 - M3)

Mass of the liquid left in the bottle = (M3 - M1 )

Temperature change, (T2 - T1)

Mass of theliquid expelled

Apparent cubic expansivity, α=
Mass of remaining liquid × change ∈tyemperature

M 2−M 3
α=
( M 3−M 1 ) ( T 2−T 1 )

(ii) Precautions:

(1) Avoid parallax in reading thermometer

(2) Bottle should not be submerged

(c) Apparent cubic expansivity:

M 2−M 3 44.25−42.02 −3 −1
α= = =1.06 ×10 K
( M 3−M 1 ) ( T 2−T 1 ) 42.02 ×50

Variation Of Density Of Solids And Liquids With Temperature

When a given mass of a solid or liquid is heated, its volume increases. Accordingly, the density of a
solid or a liquid decreases on heating.

Let Vo and V be the volumes of a solid (or liquid) at Temperature T and T + ΔT respectively. If γ is its
coefficient of cubical expansion, then:

V = Vo ( 1 + γ ΔT )…………………….(i)

Let ρo and ρ be the densities of the solid or liquid at temperature T and T + ΔT. If the mass of the
liquid or solid is M

m
Then, ρo =
vo
 m
ρ=
v

Substituting for Vo and V in equation (i), we have:

m m
= ( 1+ γ Δ T )
ρ ρo

ρo
ρ=
( 1+ γ Δ T )

−1
ρ=ρo ( 1+ γ Δ T )

Expanding by binomial theorem and neglecting terms containing higher powers of γ ΔT , we have

ρ=ρo (1−γ ΔT )

With increase in temperature, volume increases, so density decreases and vice-versa.

Note:

(i) γ for liquids are in order of 10-3

(ii) For water, density increases from 0 to 4°C so γ is −ve (0 to 4°C) and for 4°C to higher temperature
γ is +ve . At 4°C density is maximum.
Example: A sphere of diameter 7cm and mass 266.5 gm floats in a bath of liquid. As the
temperature is raised, the sphere just begins to sink at a temperature of 35°C. If the density
of the liquid at 0°C is , find the co-efficient of cubical expansion of the liquid. Neglect the
expansion of the sphere.
Solution: The sphere will sink in the liquid at 35°C, when its density becomes equal to the
density of liquid at 35°C.
266.5

()
3
The density of sphere, ρs = ρ35 = 4 22 7
× ×
3 7 2

(density of sphere is constant)

ρ35 = 1.483 gm/cm3

Now, ρ0 = ρ35[1 + γΔT]

1.527 = 1.483[1 + γ × 35]

1.029 = 1 + γ × 35

γ = 0.00083 / °C

EVALUATION

(a) What is meant by the statement: The linear expansivity of a solid is 1.0×10−5K−1?
(b) (i) Describe an experiment to determine the linear expansivity of a steel rod.
(ii) Steel bars, each of length 3m at 29°C are to be used for constructing a rail line. If
the linear expansivity of steel is 1.0×10−5K−1, calculate the safety gap that must be left
between successive bars if the highest temperature expected is 41°C.

(c) State three advantages and two disadvantages of thermal expansion of solids.

Strategy

(a) The statement: The linear expansivity of a solid is 1.0×10−5K−1 means that, A unit length
of the solid will expand in length by a fraction 1.0×10−5 of the original per kelvin rise in
temperature.
1
(Note: 1.0×10−5 = a fraction).
100,000
(b) Experiment to determine the linear expansivity of a steel rod.
The apparatus is set up as shown above. The length of the steel rod used is first measured
with a meter rule and it is then placed in the jacket with one end fixed. The micrometer
screw gauge is turned until the end of the screw just touches the end of the rod, and the
gauge reading is noted. It is then turned back enough to make sure that the end of the rod
can expand freely. The reading on the thermometer is noted and steam is now passed
through the jacket for several minutes. The micrometer is used to note the new reading.
More steam is passed again and the reading is taken until a constant reading is obtained.
The reading is noted and the temperature is noted from the thermometer.
l f −l i
The formula α = is used to determine the linear expansivity.
l i ( θ f −θi )
Lf−final length; li−initial length; θf−final temperature; θi−initial temperature

(b)(ii) L = 3m; θi = 29°C; θf = 41°C

α = 1.0×10−5K−1
Safety gap = change in length.
Δ l=αl Δ θ
= 1×10−5×3.0× (41−29)
= 36×10−5 = 0.00036m
Advantages:
(1) Used for marking bimetallic strip which is used in thermostat.

(2) Removal of tight glass stopper

(3) Red-hot rivets in ship building.

(4) Expansion of metals is used in bimetallic thermometer.

Disadvantages:
(1) Expansion of metals or concrete bridges.
(2) Cracking of glass cup when hot water is poured into the glass cup.

(3) Expansion of balance wheel or wrist-watch.

(4) Sagging of overhead wire.

(5) Expansion of railway lines.

ASSIGNMENT

Q: A metal sheet of area 100cm2 was heated through 70°C. Calculate its new area if the linear
expansivity of the metal is 0.000017K−1.

 A. 100.06 cm2
 B. 100.12cm2
 C. 100.24cm2
 D. 100.36cm2

Q: In the formation of sea breeze. wind blows from

 A. sky to land
 B. sea to sky
 C. land to sea
 D. sea to land

Q: Show that:

i. the area or superficial expansivity, β , is twice the linear expansivity α ( β=2 α ¿

ii. the cubic or volume expansivity γ and linear expansivity α are related by the equation:
γ =3 α

Q: A rod of length10 cm is heated through 1000C and its final length is 10.26cm. What is the
coefficient of linear expansion of the rod?

Q: If the cubic expansivity of brass between 270C and 1000C is 5.7 x 10-5k-1. What is its linear
expansivity?

Q: A solid metal cube of side 10 cm is heated from 100C to 600C. If the linear expansivity of
the metal is 1.2 x 10-5k-1. Calculate the increase in its volume.