Investigating Wood Expansion & Contraction w/ Strain Gauge

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on investigating wood expansion and contraction using a strain gauge in a physics coursework context. Key points include the need to understand how strain gauges work, their placement on wood, and how to measure resistance changes with temperature. Participants suggest using epoxy resin as an adhesive for the strain gauge and silica gel to manage humidity. An incubator is proposed as a heating method for the wood, although concerns about accessibility in a school setting are raised. Overall, the conversation emphasizes planning the experiment and structuring the investigation effectively.
Hipgirl90
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Hi i have just been given my physics coursework and wondered if anyone had any pointers or tips on how to answer?

The question is on the expansion and contraction of wood with changes in temperature and humidity using a strain gauge.

We have to explain how we would use lab equipment to investigate how the resistance of a strain gauge attached to a piece of wood varies with the temperature of the wood.
 
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We have to explain how we would use lab equipment to investigate how the resistance of a strain gauge attached to a piece of wood varies with the temperature of the wood.

Welcome to PF, Hipgirl90. Some questions you can think about:
  1. What do you want to find out? For example "I want to be able to draw a graph of temperature vs. ..."
  2. How does the strain gauge work?
  3. Where / how do you attach it? Does it matter how you apply the strain gauge? For example, whether you put it along the block of wood, or across it?
  4. What does the strain gauge measure, and if that is not what you eventually want, how can you convert the answers (do you have a formula? do you need to gauge it?)?
  5. Is the purpose to try and find a formula (e.g. one that describes the graph in point 1), or do you already have such a formula you want to compare it to?
 
i got a question.
how to change the temperature of the wood. is Heating better or cooling and also what might be the best gule to stick the gauge to the wood?
 
yeah i got the same exam paper >_<
lol.

im using epoxy raisin as a glue cz i think its very sticky and i guess it will expand and contract...

and I am using silica gel to...soak up humidity xD

iv don e reserches and stuffs but i still dno how to structure the plan >_<
GAH!get back to me quick please x)
 
i am using the same glue and have found out that an incubator is good for heating the wood.
still need to draw a sketch and plan it all out:)
 
incubator? how the hell are you going to find that in a school lol.....
 
it can be found in biology lab
sort of oven or something
 

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