Candle Race


Aim:
The Aim of the experiment is to see if the colour effects the burning rate of a candle

Equipment:
4 different colours of candles ( the same length and make), putty or blue/white-tac, Matches, ruler, scissors, black marker, Matches, Notebook, plate to place the candles on, stop watch

Method
1. Create a table that will record the colour of the candle and the time taken to for the wick to burn to the black marker.
2. Using your scissors, cut the wicks of each candle so that they are identical in length. Use your ruler to verify that every candle wick is of equal length.
3. Use your ruler to measure one inch down from the top of the candle. Next use your marker and draw a line. You should now have 4 candles with equal wicks and all with lines one inch from the top.
4. Place some white-tac on the plate. You'll be using this surface to hold your candles still, so make sure it's thick and can support the candle.
5. Gently push each candle into the clay, about 3 inches apart. The candles should all be upright (Do not let the candles lean as it could affect the experiment outcome).
6. Get your stop watch ready and light one of the candles. As soon as it's lit, start the stop-watch!
7. When the candle burns down to the black line or tick mark, stop the stopwatch and blow out the candle.
8. In your notebook record the candle colour and the time it took to burn.
9. Repeat steps 5 through 8 for each candle.
10. Compare your results. Which candle burned the fastest?

 Results:
Candles burn as a result of two components working together, the wick and the wax. Wax is a chemical compound that is composed of hydrogen and carbon atoms and are plastic at room temperature. When a wick is lit the temperature eventually rises above 113 degrees, causing the wax to vaporise. For best results it's recommended to run this experiment several times and compare the data. Which candle burned fastest for you?



Conclusion:
Which candle did you predict will burn the fastest? Did this come true?
Did it come true?
Why do you think this candle burned the fastest?
Was the rate at which the candles burned noticeable?
What if you were to use candles that were thicker?
How about ones that were thinner? Would it affect the burn rate?
What would happen if you were to enclosed the burning candle in a jar? Do you think it would burn at the same rate?
What if you tried with a large jar or a small jar?

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