Ring and Ball
Product Code : SCL-CL-11886
Ring and Ball (SKU SCL-CL-11886), also called the ball and ring apparatus or Gravesande's ring, is a metal demonstration piece for thermal expansion of solids. At room temperature the ball just passes through the ring; after heating it no longer fits, and after cooling it passes again. It is a staple of middle and secondary school science. Science Lab Supplies sends it out from Ambala, India to schools, colleges, tender contractors and distributors.
Specifications
The apparatus consists of a metal ball and a matching metal ring, each fitted with a handle so they can be held safely during heating. Heating makes the particles of the metal move farther apart, increasing the ball's volume; cooling in water returns it close to its original size.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| SKU | SCL-CL-11886 |
| Model no. | SCI/LSS-1529 |
| Material | Metal |
| Parts | Metal ball and matching ring, each with a handle |
| Demonstrates | Thermal expansion and contraction of solids |
| Supplied by | Science Lab Supplies, Ambala, India |
Applications and Experiments for the Ring and Ball Apparatus
The ring and ball apparatus shows in seconds that solids expand when heated and contract when cooled, and it opens discussion of expansion gaps in rails, bridges and pipelines. It suits the heat chapters of CBSE/NCERT Class 7 and Class 8 science, Class 11 physics (thermal properties of matter) and introductory teacher-training labs.
- Class 7 science (Heat): showing that a heated metal ball no longer passes through the ring.
- Class 11 physics: introducing linear and volume expansion of solids.
- Showing contraction by cooling the heated ball in water until it passes through again.
- Discussing everyday examples such as expansion joints and tight-fitting metal lids.
Heat only the ball over a burner flame, holding it by its handle, and keep students at a safe distance. The ball stays hot for some time after the lesson, so the demonstration should be run and supervised by the teacher.
Standard Scope of Supply
The apparatus comes as the metal ball and the matching metal ring, both with handles, as the listing describes. A burner, stand and water container are not part of the item and can be added to the quotation.
Packing, MOQ and Lead Time
The quotation can be for one demonstration set or for enough sets to run the experiment in student groups. It sets out the packing, delivery time and price for the quantity chosen, and burners or thermometers from the same range can be added on request.
Science Lab Supplies holds an Importer-Exporter Code, which means it can ship to buyers in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, the Philippines, Nepal and Bangladesh. Use the contact page to ask a question, the enquiry cart to list items, and the lab tender page for tender enquiries.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Ring and Ball experiment work?
At room temperature the ball passes through the ring. Heating the ball makes it expand so it will not pass; cooling it in water makes it contract so it passes again.
Is the ring and ball safe for students to use?
The ball becomes very hot during heating, so the experiment should be carried out or closely supervised by a teacher, holding the parts only by their handles.
Who supplies the Ring and Ball apparatus?
Science Lab Supplies supplies it from Ambala, India, as a chemistry lab instruments supplier serving schools, colleges and tender contractors.
What else is needed for the demonstration?
A burner flame for heating and a container of water for cooling. These are separate items and can be listed on the same enquiry.
Related Heat and Thermal Expansion Equipment
Running the ring and ball experiment needs a heat source and a way to handle hot metal safely, and many teachers follow it with temperature measurement. These four items cover heating, handling and measuring for a complete thermal-expansion lesson.
- Laboratory Spirit Burner — a flame source for heating the ball.
- Bunsen Burner (Pack of Two) — gas burners for labs with a gas supply.
- Crucible Tongs — for handling hot items safely.
- Thermometer (with no Mercury) — measuring the temperature of the cooling water.
Browse the full Chemistry Lab range or all school lab equipment.
Last updated: 25 September 2026
