1D52.40 - Rotating Candle | Instructional Resources and Lecture Demonstrations

Code Number:

1D52.40

Demo Title:

Rotating Candle

Condition:

Excellent

Principle:

Central Forces

Area of Study:

Fluid Dynamics

Disclaimer

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.

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