bursting bottle

Ball and ring: Plate with hole

Bottle and tube

Gas bulb and U-tube

Relevant Resource Questions

Concepts demonstrated :

• thermal expansion (or contraction) of solids

Equipment needed :

• breaking apparatus
• cast iron pin which is destroyed each time the experiment is performed
• matches
• CCD camera

• Tighten the screw so that the pin is under strain.
• Heat the small bar using a bunsen burner.

None

Physics involved :

When the bar is heated it will expand and break the pin.

How to use the Demonstration :

• Discuss thermal expansion and contraction.
• Ask the class what they think will happen when the rod is heated.
• Perform the experiment and observe what happens.

• Thermal expansion and contraction in bridges - expansion joints.

Other Comments :

• It is difficult to notice whent he fracture occurs. Use a CCD camera to show the process.