Code Number: 3A20.75
Demo Title: Oscillating Candle
Condition: Good
Principle: Oscillations
Area of Study: Oscillations & Acoustics
Equipment: Oscillating Candle, Grill Lighter, Glass Plate, Two Plastic Beakers. Two Rubber Stoppers.
Procedure:
Place the oscillating candle demo onto the glass plate so that you can easily remove the wax drippings. Place the cross arm of the candle onto two of the downturned plastic beakers and make sure it swivels easily. Place the rubber stopper under the candle so that when it oscillates it does not come clear down and touch the glass plate. Light the ends of the candle and watch it oscillate.
References:
- Martin Gardner, "The Candle See-Saw", TPT, Vol. 31, # 6, Sept. 1993, p. 382.
- Robert Ehrlich, "8.18 - Burning the Candle at Both Ends", Why Toast Lands Jelly Side Down, p. 142.
- Vicki Cobb and Kathy Darling, "Burning a Candle at Both Ends", Bet You Can!, p. 92.
- Bobby Mercer, "See-Saw Candles", Junk Drawer Physics, p. 30.
- Tik L. Liem, "The Burning Candle Seesaw", Invitations to Science Inquiry - Supplement to 1st and 2nd Ed. p. 98.
- Julius Sumner Miller, Q154 & A154, Millergrams II – Some More Enchanting Questions for Enquiring Minds, p. 33 & 91.