======Candle and Water Rising======


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**Alternative titles:** The Rising Water
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====Summary====                   
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====Procedure====  
  - Place a lit candle upright in a shallow dish of water.  
  - Invert a glass or pitcher over the candle so its rim is submerged in the water, creating an airtight seal.  
  - Observe the flame: it burns for a short time, dims, and eventually goes out.  
  - As the flame nears extinction, note that water rises inside the container to about one-tenth of its height.


====Links==== 
The Rising Water - Science Experiment - Hungry SciANNtist: 
{{youtube>uk9mDIoKKdQ?}}\\
Why Does Water Rise? The Candle Experiment - Sally Ride Science: 
{{youtube>9jKtw7gGtH4?}}\\
📄 Candle and Rising Water Science Experiment - Frugal Fun for Boys and Girls: [[https://frugalfun4boys.com/candle-and-rising-water-science-experiment/]]\\
📄 Getting the facts right - Oliver Knill: [[https://people.math.harvard.edu/~knill/pedagogy/waterexperiment/index.html#:~:text=The%20physical%20aspect%3A%20the%20candle,decreases%20and%20the%20water%20rises.]]\\


====Variations====
  * Use different numbers of candles.  
  * Compare results using different fuels (wax, paper, charcoal).  
  * Add food coloring to the water to improve visibility.  
  * Test with containers of different sizes and shapes to see how volume affects results.


====Safety Precautions==== 
  * Always perform the experiment on a stable, non-flammable surface.
  * Take care that the candle doesn't burn any plastic containers.  
  * Handle candles with care—never leave them unattended.  
  * Keep water nearby in case the flame spreads or wax spills.  
  * Do not inhale smoke or combustion products.  
  * Extinguish candles completely after the experiment. 



====Questions to Consider====
  * Why does the water rise only after the candle goes out rather than while it burns?  
  * A common misconception is that the water rises because the oxygen is being used up.  Research why this is not the case.  
  * How does the cooling of hot air inside the container contribute to the water rise?  
  * Why is there debate about whether physics (cooling) or chemistry (oxygen depletion) is more important?