Fire and Water Experiment - Combined Gas Law (Chemistry)

Summary

In this fun science experiment, the Bearded Science Guy demonstrates the fire and water experiment. He fills a plate with water, adds food coloring, and floats a tea candle in it. After lighting the candle, he places an upside-down glass over it. As the candle flame burns out, the air inside the glass cools and lowers the pressure, causing the higher pressure outside to push the water into the glass. This simple yet fascinating demonstration illustrates the science behind air pressure and temperature changes.

Takeaways

• 😀 The experiment demonstrates a science phenomenon using fire and water.
• 😀 Start with an empty plate and fill it almost to the top with water.
• 😀 Add a drop of food coloring to the water using a dropper for visual effect.
• 😀 Place a tea candle in the water, then light it.
• 😀 Turn an empty glass upside down and place it over the lit candle.
• 😀 The heat from the candle causes the air inside the glass to be over 1000°C.
• 😀 As the candle flame goes out, the air inside the glass starts to cool down.
• 😀 Cooling down lowers the pressure inside the glass, creating a vacuum effect.
• 😀 This allows the higher pressure air in the room to push water into the glass.
• 😀 If placed in a vacuum chamber, the pressure would reverse, pushing the water out.
• 😀 The experiment showcases the relationship between temperature, pressure, and air movement.

Q & A

What is the fire and water experiment about?

The fire and water experiment demonstrates how a candle's flame creates a temperature difference that results in water being pushed into a glass due to changes in air pressure.

What is the first step in setting up the fire and water experiment?

The first step is to take an empty plate and fill it with water, almost to the top.

What is the role of food coloring in the experiment?

The food coloring adds visual effect to the water, making the experiment's result easier to observe as the water moves into the glass.

Why is a tea candle used in the experiment?

A tea candle is used because its flame is hot enough to create a significant temperature difference that affects the air pressure inside the glass.

What happens after the candle flame is extinguished?

When the candle flame goes out, the air around the glass cools rapidly, lowering the pressure inside the glass and causing higher pressure air from the room to push the water into the glass.

Why does the water get pushed into the glass?

The water is pushed into the glass because the air inside the glass has lower pressure than the surrounding air, which has higher pressure.

What does the experiment demonstrate about air pressure?

The experiment demonstrates how temperature affects air pressure—when the air inside the glass cools, its pressure drops, and the higher pressure in the surrounding air pushes the water into the glass.

What would happen if the plate were placed in a vacuum chamber?

If the plate were placed in a vacuum chamber, the gas inside the cup would have higher pressure than the surrounding gas, which would push the water back out of the glass.

What is the significance of the candle flame being over a thousand degrees Celsius?

The candle flame being over a thousand degrees Celsius is important because it creates enough heat to affect the air temperature and pressure, initiating the process that pushes the water into the glass.

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