Using a Michelson Interferometer to Measure Coefficient of Thermal Expansion of Copper

• Autores: Ryan Sholl, Bruce W. Liby
• Localización: The Physics Teacher, ISSN 0031-921X, Vol. 47, Nº. 5, 2009, págs. 306-308
• Idioma: inglés
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• Resumen

  • When most materials are heated they expand.1This concept is usually demonstrated using some type of mechanical measurement of the linear expansion of a metal rod.2We have developed an alternative laboratory method for measuring thermal expansion by using a Michelson interferometer. Using the method presented, interference, interferometry, and the principle of thermal expansion can be taught concurrently. The material is accessible to undergraduates and advanced high school physics students.