======Bimetallic Strip Thermostat======


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**Materials: **{{$demo.materials_description}}\\
**Difficulty: **{{$demo.difficulty_description}}\\
**Safety: **{{$demo.safety_description}}\\
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**Alternative titles:** Thermal Expansion with Bimetallic Strips
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====Summary====                   
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====Procedure====  
  - Secure the bimetallic strip on a stand.  
  - Apply heat using a flame, hot plate, or lamp.  
  - Observe the strip bending as one metal expands more than the other.  
  - Allow it to cool and watch it return toward its original shape.



====Links==== 
Thermal Expansion Demo: Bimetallic Strip - Physics Demos: 
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Homemade bimetallic strips - Thermostat demonstration - Homemade Science with Bruce Yeany: 
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📄 Bimetallic Strip Demonstration - Modern Teaching Aids: [[https://www.teaching.com.au/product/bimetallic-strip-demonstration?srsltid=AfmBOopqS09mfrGrfeSmLpF9y1yx9NtQzPghyHekJdU3EilJB9MjdihX]]\\


====Variations====
  * Test different heat sources (flame vs. radiant lamp).  
  * Quantify curvature by measuring displacement after heating.  
  * Compare strips made of different metal combinations.  
  * Use cooling (ice, liquid nitrogen if available) to observe contraction.  
  * Link the theory to devices such as thermostats, circuit breakers, or oven temperature gauges.



====Safety Precautions====
  * Use heat sources with care; supervise students around open flames.  
  * Handle the strip with tongs or heat-resistant gloves after heating.  
  * Ensure the strip is mounted securely before heating.  
  * Allow the strip to cool before touching directly.




====Questions to Consider====
  * Why does the strip bend instead of expanding evenly?  
  * How does differential expansion lead to useful mechanical work?  
  * What everyday devices rely on bimetallic strips?  
  * How might engineers select materials for different applications?