Question

Describe an experiment to show that solids expand on heating and contract on cooling.
[3 marks]

Answer 1

Ball and Ring Experiment:

• This well known experiment shows that the solids expand on heating and contract on cooling. The apparatus consists of a metallic ball and ring such that at room temperature the ball just passes through the ring. [1 mark]
• On placing the ball after heating, on the ring, we find that the ball is not passing through the ring i. e., the ball has increased in volume on heating. [1 mark]
• When the ball is left for some time we find that on cooling, it passes again through the ring. i. e., there is contraction of the ball on decreasing the temperature. [1 mark]