Magic Water Candle

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 Ages: 8-12

Objective: Show how air pressure works by using a simple candle and water to create a surprising effect.

Materials Needed:

  1. A small candle
  2. A shallow dish or plate
  3. A glass or jar (clear)
  4. Water
  5. Matches or a lighter (for lighting the candle)
  6. A piece of paper (optional, for catching drips)

Procedure:

  1. Prepare the Setup:

    • Place the candle in the center of the shallow dish or plate.

  2. Light the Candle:

    • Light the candle with matches or a lighter. Be careful and make sure an adult supervises this step.

  3. Prepare the Water:

    • Fill the glass or jar with water. The water should be enough to cover the base of the glass when inverted.

  4. Perform the Magic:

    • Once the candle is burning, carefully place the glass or jar over the candle. Make sure the glass is right-side up and completely covers the candle.

  5. Observe:

    • Watch as the flame of the candle gets smaller and eventually goes out. You will also see the water rise up into the glass as the candle goes out.

Explanation:

  • When the candle burns, it heats up the air inside the glass, causing some of it to escape. Once the glass is placed over the candle, the flame consumes the oxygen and the air inside the glass cools down, creating a lower air pressure compared to the outside. The higher outside air pressure then pushes the water into the glass to equalize the pressure.

Extensions:

  1. Different Sizes:

    • Try using different sizes of glasses or jars to see how the effect changes.

  2. Colored Water:

    • Add a few drops of food coloring to the water for a more dramatic visual effect.

  3. Timing:

    • Observe how quickly the water rises and the candle extinguishes. Compare this with different sizes of candles or different amounts of water.

Safety Note:

  • Ensure children are supervised when handling matches or lighters. Handle the glass carefully to avoid spills or burns.

This experiment provides a simple yet fascinating demonstration of air pressure and the effects of heating and cooling, making it both educational and entertaining for kids!

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