Thermal Expansion

Investigate linear expansion as temperature changes.

ΔL = αL₀ΔT

Experiment controls 38

ΔL = αL₀ΔT

Initial length2 m

Expansion coefficient1.2e-05 /°C

Temperature rise50 °C

Simulation power / activity

Observation: Adjust a variable and examine the model response.

Experimental workbench ● ACTIVE

LIVE MODEL VALUE—Calculated response

CONTROL SUMMARY—Current settings

LIVE RESPONSE PROFILEModel view

Live analysis 03

Governing relationship
ΔL = αL₀ΔT

Guided procedure

Identify the apparatus and the variables.
Start with the default settings and note the readings.
Change one variable at a time.
Record observations and compare the trend.
Explain the result using the governing relationship.

Challenge

Which expands more for the same temperature rise: a longer rod or a shorter rod of the same material?

Observation notebook 0 readings recorded

Trial	Settings	Model response
No observations recorded yet.

Guided experiment · progress tracker

0 / 5 completed

Change one variable at a time. Compare readings while keeping other conditions constant.

Practical method · drag or tap matching

Control variable

Kept unchanged for a fair comparison

Measured quantity

Value read from an instrument or model

Observation record

A written record of what happened

0 / 3 matched

Knowledge check

Why should only one independent variable be changed at a time?

Choose an answer.

Practical notebook · export notes

Physics V4 · Thermal Expansion — Investigation & Assessment Studio

Thermal physics · Experiment-specific investigation, evidence log, graph analysis and teacher review.

1 · Investigation mission

Objective: Investigate linear expansion with temperature change and material.

Prediction question
For the same material and original length, a larger temperature rise causes…

Choose an answer and submit your prediction.

Scientific principle
Compare materials only while controlling initial length and temperature change.

2 · Fault-finding challenge

A student performs this experiment but obtains an unexpected result. Identify the most likely issue.

Linear expansion follows ΔL = αL₀ΔT.

Diagnose the experimental setup.

3 · Observation notebook & graph

Use the original simulation controls to perform a trial, then enter the observed values. This table records student-entered observations; it does not claim to read every legacy simulation's internal sensors.

Temperature change (°C) Length change (mm)

Record at least two observations to analyse the trend.

Trial	Temperature change (°C)	Length change (mm)

4 · Practical reflection & report

Student name Class / section Observation and inference Precautions / possible errors Conclusion

Your report includes the objective, entered observations, analysis and reflection.

5 · Teacher assessment rubric

Teacher feedback

Conceptual prediction0 / 20

Fault diagnosis0 / 20

Observation quality (2+ readings)0 / 20

Graph / trend analysis0 / 20

Inference and conclusion0 / 20

Assessment score: 0 / 100

6 · Guided experimental procedure

Follow the sequence below and use the original experiment controls above to change one variable at a time.

Read the objective and identify the independent and dependent variables.
Inspect the apparatus and reset the simulation to its initial state.
Change only the independent variable while keeping other conditions controlled.
Record at least three observations in the notebook.
Plot the dependent variable against the independent variable and describe the trend.
Answer the prediction and fault-finding questions, then write an evidence-based conclusion.

Experimental discipline
Use consistent units, avoid changing multiple variables at once, and distinguish measured observations from theoretical predictions.