Heat Demos
Light a match If you bring a match close to a flame from the side, the match will not catch fire until it has almost touched the flame. If you bring a match close to a flame from the top, the match will catch on fire well above the flame. Explain why.
Cut a flame in half Fire requires oxygen, fuel, and thermal energy. If you put a metal screen over a small flame, the flame will be ‘cut in half’. Explain why.
Lava lamp As you look at a lava lamp, notice that some blobs rise and others sink. Explain why. Would the lava lamp work if the light bulb were at the top? Explain why or why not.
Light the smoke If you move a burning match into the smoke of a candle you just blew out, the candle will relight. Explain why.
Coil snuffer You can make a flame disappear by surrounding it with a coil of metal wires. Explain why.