Possible Explanation for Candle Generator?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of a "candle generator" demonstrated in a video, with participants questioning its physical plausibility and speculating on possible explanations for the observed effects. The conversation includes elements of skepticism, magic tricks, and the nature of scientific claims.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express skepticism about the video's authenticity, suggesting that the rapid lighting of the light contradicts the slow ignition of the candle.
  • One participant proposes a method involving hidden wiring under the table to explain the effect, detailing a potential setup with copper wire and contact mechanisms.
  • Another participant questions the feasibility of using wax as a conductor, implying that the premise is flawed.
  • Several participants assert that the demonstration is likely a magic trick rather than a legitimate scientific claim.
  • There are comments about the potential for misleading representations in videos, with one participant suggesting that the video should be removed from platforms like YouTube.
  • Humor is introduced in the discussion, with references to other entertainers and light-hearted remarks about the nature of the video.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally disagree on the nature of the video, with some viewing it as a magic trick and others considering it a potential scientific breakthrough. There is no consensus on the validity of the claims made in the video.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty regarding the context of the video and its presentation, which may influence their interpretations. The discussion includes assumptions about the physical properties of materials involved, such as wax and copper.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in the intersection of physics and magic, as well as those curious about the critical evaluation of scientific claims in media.

Joe_I_Am
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Candle Generator??

A Coworker showed me this video today. Is this even possible? To me it looks like he flips a switch under the table when the light goes on and off, and when the motor goes on and off. I do have a semester of general physics under my belt, but I have no idea how to explain this if this is even physically possible. Anyone have any explanations? Thanks.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILGjAtfhGW0&feature=PlayList&p=FC18ED30D9E98A16&index=13
 
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No, it isn't possible.

Note how fast the light lights up even when the candle lights slowly. And I wonder why he has a hand under the table every time a device goes on or off...?
 


Notice we never see the bottom of the candle. If I were going to do this, I'd inlay some very fine bare copper wire into the tabletop. Its color and finish combined with the low quality video would easily hide it. The wires on one side would be connected to the battery positive terminal through the switch and the other side to the negative--all hidden under the table, of course. Inside the candle, I'd embed a copper rod or tube and solder a disc of copper foil to it to increase the contact area so I wouldn't have to fiddle with it to make contact. Pushing the nail slightly off center guarantees contact. The rest is obvious.
 


That has got to be one of the stupidest things that I've ever seen in my life; I couldn't even finish watching it. If for no other reason (although there are lots of others), since when does wax conduct electricity? If it does, I have an idea for a Brazilian treatment that would scare even Courtney Love away.
 


Uh, it's called a "magic trick."
 


The candle makers are not complaining.
Is it possible to get this type of video removed from U-tube?
 


No. What, next you'll want to ban Chris Angel because real people can't walk through walls? :rolleyes:

It's a goddamn magic trick, not a crackpot claim.
 


Negitron, there was no mention of the context in the original post nor the video. I agree that it's an illusion, but I had the impression that it was being presented as a scientific breakthrough. My mistake.
(I still can't get the vision of that electric bikini wax technique out of my head, though...)
 


negitron said:
No. What, next you'll want to ban Chris Angel because real people can't walk through walls? :rolleyes:

It's a goddamn magic trick, not a crackpot claim.

I don't have my speakers hooked up.
I assumed it was a crackpot claim just by the subtitles.

God damned that magic?
Ok then.

Chris Angel should be banned because its just flat out incredibly bad TV.
Same for Dancing with the Vegetables. (Sorry attempt at levity)
 
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