A simple science question

[Orrex]

What's the volume of a kilogram of molten steel versus a kg of solid steel? For the former, assume the bottom threshold to liquefy the steel; for that latter, assume STP.

I haven't done any expansion-due-to-heat labs since '88, so any insight is appreciated!

[bluerum]

1. Aren't there tables to look that up? The CRC or some metalurgical

handbooks must have that info for the various standard steel compositions.

[Orrex]

2. Maybe, but

Then we'd have missed out on all of this delightful interaction!

Anyway, I'm not familiar with such tables, so I again fall upon the mercy and wisdom of those more knowledgeable than I.

[bluerum]

3. Its worth a google or two. The actual volume of

any steel alloy, solid or liquid, depends on it's composition. There are many steel compositions.

By the time you look up all the material constants, transition temps, etc, you could have looked it up in a metallurgical handbook. It's probably more accurate to look it up anyway!

BTW - why would you be melting a kilogram of steel?

[Orrex]

4. If I tell you now, you won't be surprised at Christmas

Actually, it was just one of those "I wonder..." sorts of things, wrought from memories of my old house's aluminum siding going plink-plink as it cooled after sunset.

But since it's just for my own idle curiosity, maybe I should just think in terms of aluminum or iron, rather than some pesky steel mishmash.

[Geoff R. Casavant]

5. I can't say for certain, but I recall

that any substance other than water will have a lower density as a liquid than as a solid.

[Orrex]

6. In a high school science class

I once saw a time-lapse film of benzene being frozen (or maybe just chilled--it was a long time ago). It was weird to see a liquid actually contract, since we all "knew" that liquids expand, right?

Cool stuff, science. It's a shame that you can't get it in this country anymore...