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4A30.20-Ball and Ring

4a3020ball and ring 2

Video: Watch this demo

Instructor’s video

Description: This demonstration shows the thermal properties (thermal expansion) of metal.
One set has a ball that fits through the ring at room temperature, and the other has a ball that does not fit through at room temperature.

Equipment:

  • 2 Ball and ring sets
  • Bunsen burner
  • Matches

Setup Procedure:

  1. Connect the Bunsen burner to the gas valve in the classroom.

Demonstration Procedure:

  1. Light the Bunsen burner.
  2. Show the students the set where the ball fits through the ring at room temperature.
  3. When you heat the BALL of the one that DOES fit, the ball expands and then it will not fit.
  4. Show the students the set where the ball does not fit through the ring at room temperature.
  5. When you heat the RING of the one that doesn’t fit, the ring expands and the ball then fits through. Students often find this situation a little counter-intuitive.
  6. When finished, turn off the gas valve.

Open Flame Open Flame
Keep away from flammable materials.