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Name: Ron
Status: Other
Grade: Other
Location: VA
Country: N/A
Date: October 2005
Question:
I would like to know what inexpensive fluid expands and contracts the most. Perhaps methol alcohol, or is it ammonia and water?


Replies:
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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