5 weird ways to put out a candle

TL;DR

Discover unique methods to put out a candle using various objects like copper coils, obstacles, and gases.

Transcript

Blowing out a candle is so 2015. Here are wacky ways to put out a candle. I've got here a tightly-wound coil of solid copper that I'm going to put over the top of the flame. It came back to life as soon as I took the coil off. It was smoking like the candle had gone out. And yet, the flame comes back to life. I had to see this in slow motion. So th... Read More

Key Insights

• 🥵 Copper coils deprive the flame of heat and oxygen, causing it to go out.
• 🧯 Rounded obstacles disrupt the airflow and extinguish the flame effectively.
• 🫢 Extinguishing the candle with gases like carbon dioxide or liquid nitrogen displaces the oxygen and suffocates the flame.
• 🤩 The key to extinguishing a candle is to disrupt the necessary ingredients for combustion: heat, oxygen, and fuel.
• 🕯️ Different methods of extinguishing a candle highlight the importance of fluid dynamics and airflow.
• 🥶 Dry ice, baking soda and vinegar, and liquid nitrogen offer unique methods to put out a candle.
• ❓ The experiments showcase the importance of understanding the properties of different substances and their effects on combustion.

Questions & Answers

Q: How does the copper coil method work to extinguish the candle flame?

When the copper coil is placed over the flame, it conducts heat away from the candle and restricts oxygen supply, causing the flame to go out.

Q: Can any obstacles be used to extinguish a candle flame?

Rounded obstacles, like a glass or jar, can disrupt the airflow and hit the candle in the back, effectively extinguishing the flame.

Q: How does the carbon dioxide gas from baking soda and vinegar extinguish the candle?

The reaction between baking soda and vinegar produces carbon dioxide gas, which, when poured onto the candle, displaces the oxygen, suffocating the flame.

Q: What happens when liquid nitrogen is poured over a candle?

Liquid nitrogen, being denser than air, instantly evaporates into nitrogen gas, displacing the oxygen and extinguishing the flame.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• By placing a tightly-wound coil of solid copper over the flame, the candle is deprived of heat and oxygen, causing it to go out.

• Putting an obstacle in front of the candle, like a rounded glass or jar, disrupts the airflow and extinguishes the flame.

• Pouring dry ice, baking soda and vinegar, or liquid nitrogen on the candle also effectively puts out the flame.