Ball and Ring Apparatus
Product Code : LSK-PL-10328
Ball and Ring Apparatus (SKU LSK-PL-10328), also called Gravesande's ring, is a two-piece demonstration of the thermal expansion of solids. A brass ball that passes through a brass ring at room temperature no longer fits once it is heated, and slips through again as it cools. It is a staple of Class 7–11 heat lessons. Science Lab Supplies builds the apparatus in Saha, Ambala, India, at its factory on Plot 448, HSIIDC Industrial Area, and offers it direct to schools, colleges, tender contractors and distributors.
Specifications
The apparatus consists of a brass ball and a brass ring, each mounted on its own brass rod fitted with a wooden handle, so both parts can be held safely while the ball is heated. The ball diameter is 22 mm.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| SKU | LSK-PL-10328 |
| Parts | Brass ball and brass ring (two-piece apparatus) |
| Ball diameter | 22 mm |
| Mounting | Each part on a brass rod with a wooden handle |
| Demonstrates | Thermal expansion of solids |
| Manufacturer | Science Lab Supplies, Saha, Ambala, Haryana |
| Country of origin | India |
Applications and Experiments for the Ball and Ring Apparatus
The apparatus shows that solids expand when heated and contract on cooling. Pass the cold ball through the ring, heat the ball in a flame and show that it now rests on the ring, then let it cool until it drops through. The result is visible to a whole class.
- Class 7 science (heat): observing expansion of a solid on heating.
- Class 11 physics (thermal properties of matter): introducing linear and volume expansion before coefficients are measured.
- Heating the ring instead of the ball to show that the hole also expands.
Heated brass stays hot for some time; hold the parts by their wooden handles and demonstrate under teacher supervision.
Standard Scope of Supply
Each apparatus consists of two parts: the 22 mm brass ball on a brass rod with a wooden handle, and the brass ring on a matching rod and handle. A burner for heating is not part of the set and can be quoted separately on request.
Packing, MOQ and Lead Time
A quotation can cover one demonstration set or one for every classroom, and states the packing, delivery time and price for the number requested. Bimetallic strips and other heat and thermodynamics lab equipment can be combined on that quotation.
As a registered exporter with an Importer-Exporter Code, Science Lab Supplies is able to ship to buyers in Nepal, Bangladesh, Zambia, Rwanda, South Africa and Qatar. The business is registered under Udyam as a manufacturing enterprise (UDYAM-HR-01-0014546) and for GST (GSTIN 06ADEPJ0574F2ZU). You can send an enquiry from the enquiry cart, write via the contact page, or read about tender supply on the lab tender page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Ball and Ring Apparatus demonstrate?
It demonstrates the thermal expansion of solids: the heated brass ball becomes too large to pass through the ring, and passes through again once it cools.
What size is the ball?
The brass ball has a diameter of 22 mm.
Is Science Lab Supplies the manufacturer or a trader?
Manufacturer. The apparatus is fabricated at the company's own plant in Saha, Ambala, India, and the factory itself prepares your quotation.
Is a burner included?
No. The set is the ball and ring only. Any laboratory burner or spirit lamp can be used for heating under supervision.
Related Thermal Expansion and Conduction Apparatus
Four further heat demonstrations sit well beside the ball and ring: another expansion effect using two metals, a heavy bar-breaking frame, and two ways to compare how well different metals conduct heat, giving a complete heat unit on one quotation.
- Bimetallic Strip — brass and steel strip that curves when heated.
- Bar Breaking Apparatus — heavy cast iron frame with a stout iron bar and a cast iron breaking bar.
- Conductometer, For Thermal Conductivity — five metal rods on a brass hub, compared by melting wax.
- Conductivity Ring — copper, brass, steel and aluminium strips mounted on a ring.
Browse the full Physics Lab range or all physics lab equipment.
Last updated: 25 September 2026
