Olympic flame just past my street

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the Olympic torch relay and the method of lighting the torch, specifically whether it is lit using sunlight. Participants share personal experiences related to the event and explore the practicality of using mirrors or lenses to demonstrate the concept of focusing sunlight to create a flame.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant recounts their experience with the Olympic torch relay and mentions their nephew's curiosity about whether the torch is lit from the sun.
  • Another participant suggests that the torch is lit using a mirror rather than a lens, proposing the use of a shaving mirror for the demonstration.
  • A participant expresses concern about the appropriateness of their question regarding the use of lenses versus mirrors, indicating they are aware that mirrors are typically used.
  • Another participant emphasizes that the size of the mirror is more important than magnification, as it is the total light collected that matters for focusing sunlight.
  • One participant mentions the availability of inexpensive plastic lenses in local shops, suggesting alternatives for those looking to experiment with focusing sunlight.
  • A participant shares their experience of attending the Olympic Torch Relay, highlighting the enjoyment of the event despite not knowing the identity of the torchbearer.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that mirrors are used to light the torch, but there is some debate about the necessity of purchasing lenses versus using mirrors. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best method for demonstrating the concept of focusing sunlight.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying levels of familiarity with the topic, and there are assumptions about the effectiveness of different tools (mirrors vs. lenses) that are not fully explored. The discussion does not resolve the practical implications of using one method over the other.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in practical demonstrations of focusing sunlight, those attending similar events, or anyone curious about the methods used in the Olympic torch relay may find this discussion relevant.

budd
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The guys have come through my town today with the olympic torch. My nephew asked me if they really did light it from the sun.( with a big wow look on his face)
I explained that he could make a flame from the sun also. We went into town to buy a magnifying glass. There are no shops at all that sell them we could find. Apart from smiths for 11 pounds.(seemed expensive)
So I'm looking online now.
Just wondering if the little jeweler flip out case ones would be as good for magnifying the sun as the bigger 2 1/2 inch one with less magnification?




( hope this makes sense,sorry for my bad english)
 
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hi budd! :smile:

i believe they light it using a mirror, not a lens

you could try a shaving mirror :wink:​
 
I thought it might of sounded daft when i posted.
I know it was done by a mirror. just going to show him the power of the sun.
sorry for asking stupid question
 
no it wasn't daft!

but why go to the trouble of buying a lens, when you may already have, or be able to borrow, a mirror which is much larger? :smile:

(because it isn't the magnification that matters, it's the total light collected … so long, of course, as the mirror is actually capable of focussing)
 
You can buy plastic lenses for a pound or two in places like "pound shops" or "The Range".I have even seen them on sale in Tesco.
 
My family went to see the Olympic Torch Relay yesterday as it came passed the church my parents attend in Bury. It was actually quite a lot of fun with even the police motorcycle outriders joinng in the fun, slapping hands with the crowd as they rode passed. I'm afraid I have no idea who the guy was carrying the torch as it passed us, but still, it did feel worthwhile having gone to see it.
 

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