The Olympic torch… …is lit using no flames. How is it done? Activity The Olympic torch… …is lit using no flames. How is it done? © Snapshot Science, 2012 Image: Jon candy @Flickr

How is the Olympic torch lit? Activity How is the Olympic torch lit? © Snapshot Science, 2012 Image: Waerfelu @wikipedia commons

Use it, and the keywords below, to explain how the torch is lit. Activity Complete the diagram. Use it, and the keywords below, to explain how the torch is lit. Keywords: parabolic mirror, Sun, light rays, reflection, focal point, heat energy © Snapshot Science, 2012

Light rays from the Sun reflect off the parabolic mirror. Activity Light rays from the Sun reflect off the parabolic mirror. Because of the shape of the mirror the rays meet at a focal point. The light is concentrated at this point. When the torch is placed here there is enough heat energy to cause it to burst into flames. Keywords: parabolic mirror, Sun, light rays, reflection, focal point, heat energy © Snapshot Science, 2012