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For Little People
Burning
Candle Investigation
| Place
a candle on a small glass square or other holder. Write 10 observations of this candle while it is not burning. Light the candle. Look at the candle as it is burning. What do you see? Write 10 observations of this candle while it is burning. Look at the wick as the candle is burning. What do you see? Write 10 observations about the wick of this candle while it is burning. Compose a list of 20 questions/observations that will help you understand the chemical nature of the candle. Do not be concerned with answering the questions now. |
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Observations and Questions
Here are just a few examples...
Does the flame smoke while flickering?
How does the temperature of the candle vary from the top to the bottom?
Is the flame the same color throughout?
Does the burning candle make any sound?
How bright is the light emitted by the candle flame?
Is there any liquid formed during the burning of the candle?
Does the flame have a smooth or ragged outline?
Is the top of the candle level, concave, or convex while burning?
Under what conditions does a liquid run down the side of the candle?
Will a candle burn in the absence of air?
What part of the candle flame is the hottest?
How does the mass change during candle combustion?
How much heat is emitted by the flame?
Does the type of wax (or color) change the temperature of the flame?
Does the wick grow shorter as the candle grows shorter?Write a 5 sentence conclusion about what you learned in this observation lab.