Flame brought near charged electroscope

[Pseudopro]

Homework Statement

When a flame is brought near a charged electroscope, the foil collapses. How is this explained?

Homework Equations

None

The Attempt at a Solution

Electrons are excited and given energy so distribute equally on the foil. Probably wrong. Please give correct explanation. Thank you.

 

[chaoseverlasting]

Whats an electroscope?

 

[gneill]

Whats an electroscope?

What's a Google?

 

[gneill]

Electrons are excited and given energy so distribute equally on the foil. Probably wrong. Please give correct explanation. Thank you.

What states of matter comprise a flame?

 

[Pseudopro]

A flame's just energy right? Does it have a state?

 

[tiny-tim]

A flame's just energy right? Does it have a state?

see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flame"

 

[Pseudopro]

Um... is this the important bit?...

The high temperature of the flame causes the vaporized fuel molecules to decompose, forming various incomplete combustion products and free radicals

 

[Pseudopro]

Could someone correct me if I'm wrong?

 

[EdwinC]

The flame ionizes air molecules creating positively and negatively charged ions. Ions are attracted to the charged electroscope and they neutralize its charge making the leaf collapse.

 

[Pseudopro]

thanks for the confirmation :)