Why Does Smoke Settle at the Bottom in a Smoke Waterfall Experiment?

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SUMMARY

The Smoke Waterfall experiment demonstrates the principles of buoyancy and air displacement within an airtight container. When smoke is introduced, it settles at the bottom due to the cooler temperature of the smoke compared to the surrounding air, which is warmer and less dense. The combustion process of the cigarette butt consumes oxygen, creating a low-pressure area that allows the smoke to flow out of the container. This phenomenon illustrates the interaction between temperature, density, and pressure in gases.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of buoyancy and density principles
  • Basic knowledge of gas laws and air pressure
  • Familiarity with combustion processes
  • Experience with conducting simple physics experiments
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of buoyancy in fluids
  • Learn about the ideal gas law and its applications
  • Explore the effects of temperature on gas density
  • Investigate combustion reactions and their byproducts
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics, educators preparing demonstrations, and anyone interested in the practical applications of gas laws and thermodynamics.

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Homework Statement



I have a presentation on our physics class and I have decided to demonstrate the phenomenon of Smoke Waterfall inside an airtight container. I saw my friend do this tons of times. It's really amazing but how can I explain the physics behind this trick? In general knowledge hot air is supposed to go up right? why is it the smoke coming out of the cigarette butt settle at the bottom? Help pls! :smile:

here's a video.
Smoke Waterfall

Homework Equations



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The Attempt at a Solution



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How much air is there in the container to begin with? Where does that air go when the smoke comes in? If you really don't know the physics why would you choose it as a presentation in a class?

Have you considered asking your friend?
 
HallsofIvy said:
How much air is there in the container to begin with?
*Default value? just air...in an empty container...with a hole on the side where you can insert a rolled paper to burn.

Where does that air go when the smoke comes in?
*this is how i understand this: the lit end needs oxygen to burn. I don't know why the other end(w/c is inside the container) serves as an exit for the smoke from the lit end. maybe the lit end i blocked because it's burning that's why the smoke comes out of the other end? and to answer your question, i guess it goes the same with the lit end w/c is outside of the container. fire sucks the air inside the container out.

If you really don't know the physics why would you choose it as a presentation in a class?
Have you considered asking your friend?
*Yes, I have. They agreed with my proposal so (this is a silly reason) we could have a reason to smoke inside the classroom.

I'd like to know what physical principal laws were shown in my proposed demonstration.
And I guess out of curiosity too, I just want to know how this works.

thanks btw. your question made me think :smile:
 

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