Sources of error in thermal expansion

Thread starter endurance12
Start date Mar 21, 2013
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Error Expansion Sources Sources of error Thermal Thermal expansion

In summary, thermal expansion is the increase in size or volume of a substance due to an increase in temperature. The main sources of error in measuring thermal expansion include variations in temperature, inaccuracies in measuring instruments, and external factors such as pressure or vibrations. Variations in temperature can affect measurements by causing the substance to expand or contract at different rates, while inaccuracies in measuring instruments can lead to incorrect readings. External factors can also contribute to errors if not properly controlled during experiments.

Mar 21, 2013

endurance12

I was just wondering what would be sources of error in calculating thermal expansion

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Mar 21, 2013

mfb

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Insights Author

Calculating based on what? A measurement? Some theoretical model?
Which inputs do you use, do they have an uncertainty? Does your model has some error?

Related to Sources of error in thermal expansion

1. What is thermal expansion and why does it occur?

Thermal expansion is the increase in size or volume of a substance when its temperature increases. It occurs because as temperature increases, the particles in a substance gain more kinetic energy and move further apart, causing the substance to expand.

2. What are the main sources of error in measuring thermal expansion?

The main sources of error in measuring thermal expansion include variations in temperature, inaccuracies in measuring instruments, and external factors such as pressure or vibrations.

3. How can variations in temperature affect the measurement of thermal expansion?

Variations in temperature can affect the measurement of thermal expansion by causing the substance to expand or contract at different rates, leading to inaccurate measurements. It is important to control and monitor temperature during experiments to minimize this source of error.

4. How do inaccuracies in measuring instruments contribute to errors in thermal expansion measurements?

Inaccuracies in measuring instruments, such as thermometers or rulers, can lead to errors in thermal expansion measurements. If the instruments are not properly calibrated or have a limited range of measurement, they may not accurately reflect the true expansion of the substance.

5. How can external factors such as pressure or vibrations affect thermal expansion measurements?

External factors like pressure or vibrations can affect thermal expansion measurements by causing the substance to expand or contract in ways that are not related to temperature. This can lead to inaccurate measurements if not properly controlled for during experiments.