Bimetallic Strip Switch, 4A30.11

Location:

• Cabinet: Thermodynamics Cabinet

• Bay: (A3)

• Shelf: #3

(attachment photo showing the fully set up demonstration)

Description:

Bimetallic strip switch consisting of brass and stainless steel vertically stands. It can bend if it is heated due to the difference of the thermal expansion coefficient.

Setup:

Note: Make sure that one of the red & white gas cart are in placed and the gas hose is connected to the utility trench gas line. The gas cylinder that supplies the gas to utility trench gas line may or may not be connected/installed and should be inspected.

1. Connect one pole of the light bulb or alarm bell to plus hole of the DC power supply, another pole of the light bulb or alarm bell is connected to the bottom left connection on the bimetallic strip switch. The minus hole of the DC power supply is connected with the top left connection on the bimetallic strip switch.

Cautions, Warnings, or Safety Concerns:

1. Beware of the heated strip

Demonstration:

The bimetallic strip consists of brass and stainless steel. Since brass has higher thermal expansion coefficient than stainless steel. When it is heated by the burner, it bends to the stainless steel side(left side). That makes the close circuit to turn on the light bulb or alarm bell. After you stop heating the strip for awhile, the electronic circuit will open again due to the strip bend to its normal vertical state.

References:

1. List any references

Thermal Properties of Matter

Demonstrations

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