Bending a Candle Flame - What Causes It?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the phenomenon of a candle flame bending when a glass of cold water is placed above it. Participants propose two primary explanations: the first suggests that cold air from the glass displaces the hot air currents, causing the flame to bend; the second posits that the glass obstructs the hot air, redirecting it sideways. Both theories highlight the interaction between temperature gradients and air currents, leading to the observed behavior of the flame.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of thermodynamics, specifically heat transfer and convection currents.
  • Basic knowledge of fluid dynamics related to air movement.
  • Familiarity with experimental design for scientific inquiry.
  • Awareness of the properties of gases and their behavior under varying temperatures.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of convection currents in fluids.
  • Explore the effects of temperature on gas density and movement.
  • Conduct experiments on flame behavior in different environmental conditions.
  • Study the physics of heat transfer and its impact on surrounding air currents.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics enthusiasts, educators conducting demonstrations, and anyone interested in the principles of heat transfer and fluid dynamics.

Lancelot59
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I'm not sure if this goes here, but there isn't a "General Science" section.

Today I got a glass of really cold water, and noticed a candle on the table. I felt like collecting some carbon on the bottom and held the glass over the flame. The flame bent away from the bottom of the glass before it had touched it.

I wonder what caused this. I think it was either:

1. Cold air fell from the bottom of the glass and pushed the hot air currents down
2. The hot air were stopped by the glass, and as they spread out pulled the overall current down the path of least resistance to the side.
3. A little of both.

What do you think?
 
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Why don't you do an experiment or two and determine the cause?
 
Because my mom will get angry.
 

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