Quick Answer: The Ring and Ball Apparatus demonstrates thermal expansion of solids: a metal ball that passes through a ring at room temperature may not pass through after heating, because the ball expands.
Last updated: October 2026
Key Features
Shows expansion of a solid on heating and contraction on cooling
Students observe the ball passing or not passing through the ring
Needs no complex measuring instruments
Heating source not included unless specified
About This Product
The ball is first passed through the ring at room temperature, then heated carefully with a suitable laboratory heat source and tried again. After it cools, or when both ball and ring are heated as directed, the test is repeated to compare the fit. The result explains why bridges, rails and metal joints need expansion gaps. Tongs and heat-resistant gloves are used because heated parts can burn. Export supply of the Ring and Ball Apparatus can be arranged to laboratories and schools in Lebanon, Uganda, Kenya, Ghana, Bhutan and Turkey.
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