Have you ever heard the expression "burning the candle at both ends"? It means that someone is working very hard, usually without sleep. But I'll bet you have never seen what happens is you actually burn a candle at both ends!This experiment involves both sharp knives and fire, so definitely have an adult help with it!
What you'll need:
Candle, as described below
Knife
Ruler
Long sewing needle
2 wine glasses
Matches or lighter
Newspaper
First, you have to find a candle that will work well. The best candles for this experiment are straight cylinders about 1/2 - 3/4 inches (1 - 1.5 cm) in diameter. Candles that get smaller near the top won't work as well. With a sharp knife, cut about 1 inch (2.5 cm) off the bottom of the candle, and dig out enough wick that you can light it. Trim th
e candle so that the bottom looks very much like the top. Measure the length of the candle and make a mark in the exact center. Push a long sewing needle through the middle of the candle from one side to the other.
Spread newspaper or other absorbent paper on the surface you will be working on. Position the two wine glasses next to each other at a distance slightly larger than the candle diameter. Balance the needle on the glass rims, so that the candle acts like a seesaw (see diagram). It is best if the candle is well-balanced enough that it is horizontal, but the experiment will also work if the candle is at an angle. Light both wicks and watch what happens!
What you'll need:
Candle, as described below
Knife
Ruler
Long sewing needle
2 wine glasses
Matches or lighter
Newspaper
First, you have to find a candle that will work well. The best candles for this experiment are straight cylinders about 1/2 - 3/4 inches (1 - 1.5 cm) in diameter. Candles that get smaller near the top won't work as well. With a sharp knife, cut about 1 inch (2.5 cm) off the bottom of the candle, and dig out enough wick that you can light it. Trim th
e candle so that the bottom looks very much like the top. Measure the length of the candle and make a mark in the exact center. Push a long sewing needle through the middle of the candle from one side to the other. Spread newspaper or other absorbent paper on the surface you will be working on. Position the two wine glasses next to each other at a distance slightly larger than the candle diameter. Balance the needle on the glass rims, so that the candle acts like a seesaw (see diagram). It is best if the candle is well-balanced enough that it is horizontal, but the experiment will also work if the candle is at an angle. Light both wicks and watch what happens!
With both ends of the candle burning, wax drips from the top and bottom. When a drop falls from the top of the candle, it becomes lighter, and tips upwards. Then a drip falls from the bottom, and that part tilts up. You will see the candle start to rock back and forth, just like a seesaw. The rocking will get stronger and stronger. If the candle isn't perfectly balanced, the rocking may slow down, or even stop, but it will start up again.
So now you know what happens when you burn the candle at both ends!
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