Ask A Scientist Materials Science Archive

name         Ron
status       other
location     VA

Question -   I would like to know what inexpensive fluid
expands and contracts the most. Perhaps methol
alcohol, or is it ammonia and water?
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The coefficient of expansion of a fluid depends not only on the substance
but is a function of temperature and pressure as well. So it is not
possible to point to one substance that has the "largest" coefficient of
expansion. Typical values of the coefficients of expansion can be found in
most chemical handbooks. That is probably a good place to start, depending
upon what the intended use is.

Vince Calder
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