Bell jar, rotating air table, candle and holder, grill lighter

 

Code Number: 1D52.40

Demo Title: Rotating Candle

Condition: Excellent

Principle: Central Forces

Area of Study: Mechanics, Fluid Dynamics

Equipment: 

Bell jar, rotating air table, candle and holder, grill lighter.

Procedure:

Place the lighted candle on the rotating air table and cover with the bell jar.  Make sure the bell jar is centered.  Rotate with a speed of about 1 to 2 rps.  The candle flame should point in a radial direction toward the center.  The angle of the flame will be dependent upon its radius on the air table and the rotation rate.

References:

  • Morton Tavel, "Reference Frames", TPT, Vol. 41, #4, Apr. 2003, p. 197.
  • Paul Chagnon, "Referee's Critique", TPT, Vol. 36, #7, Oct. 1998, p. 428.
  • Qishan Mou, "A Response", TPT, Vol. 36, #7, Oct. 1998, p. 427.
  • Camille Wainwright and Richard Wiener, "Is a Density Gradient Necessary for a Rotating Flame to Bend?", TPT, Vol. 36, #7, Oct. 1998, p. 426.
  • "Editors Introduction", TPT, Vol. 36, #7, Oct. 1998, p. 426.
  • Qishan Mou, "A Candle in a Rotating Coordinate System", TPT, Vol. 35, #9, Dec. 1997, p. 542.
  • Merle Fisher, "An Experience in Observation", TPT, Vol. 7, #3, Mar. 1969, p. 166, also A Potpourri of Physics Teaching Ideas - Meachanics, p. 64.
  • M. N. Grasso, T. O. Merlo, and M. E. Lavigne, "Effective Gravitational Acceleration", AJP, Vol. 37, #4, Apr. 1969, p. 456.
  • Fl-4: Freier and Anderson, A Demonstration Handbook for Physics.
  • M-141: Richard Manliffe Sutton, Demonstration Experiments in Physics.
  • M. N. Grasso, "Effective Gravitational Acceleration", Apparatus Notes, July 1965-December 1972, p. 93.
  • Tik L. Liem, "The Gravity Machine (I)", Invitations to Science Inquiry - Supplement to 1st and 2nd Ed. p. 135.
1D52.40 - Rotating Candle