The Compact Thermal Expansion Apparatus provides experimental results within 5% of the accepted value, yet requires less storage space (tubes are 46 cm long) and costs less than the Thermal Expansion Apparatus (TD-8558A).

In this experiment, a metal tube expands as steam passes through it. Three tubes (brass, copper and aluminum) allow students to compare the expansion of different materials. As the tube expands, one end is held fixed while a clip on the other end pushes against a 0.01 mm division dial gauge.
Initial and final temperatures are determined by a 100 kΩ thermistor. A spring clip ensures good thermal contact to the tube and allows the thermistor to be changed between the 3 provided tubes.

Insulation around the thermistor ensures accurate readings. The thermistor is permanently wired to banana jacks for easy connection to an ohmmeter.
The free-standing base supports the apparatus on a table without a clamp or stand. The base has storage slots for the 3 tubes. The entire apparatus requires a minimal amount of storage space. The working length of each tube is 35 cm.