======Split Flame With Gauze======


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**Materials: **{{$demo.materials_description}}\\
**Difficulty: **{{$demo.difficulty_description}}\\
**Safety: **{{$demo.safety_description}}\\
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**Alternative titles:** Flame Through a Gauze
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====Split Flame with Gauze====                   
{{$demo.summary}}



====Procedure====  
  - Place a piece of gauze securely on a ring stand or tripod.  
  - Position a Bunsen burner so that its flame would normally pass through the gauze.  
  - Turn on the gas and light it above the gauze.  
  - Observe that the flame burns only above the gauze while no flame appears below.  
  - Note how the gauze conducts heat away from the lower gas, cooling it below ignition temperature.



====Links==== 
Flame Through A Gauze? - Pete's Shed: 
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📄 Copper gauze over flame; gas burns only above gauze - Physics @ Berkley: [[https://berkeleyphysicsdemos.net/node/241]]\\



====Variations====
  * Try different mesh sizes or materials (copper, iron, steel) to compare effectiveness.  
  * Place a second gauze higher up to create multiple flame zones.  
  * Demonstrate with both candle vapor and Bunsen burner gas for comparison.



====Safety Precautions====
  * Safety glasses required.  
  * Handle gauze with tongs - it becomes hot quickly.  
  * Keep flammable materials clear of the flame.  
  * Ensure the Bunsen burner is stable to prevent tipping.




====Questions to Consider====
  * Why does the flame not appear below the gauze? (The copper conducts heat away, cooling the gas below ignition temperature.)  
  * Why does the flame burn above the gauze? (The rising gas meets air and retains enough heat to reignite once past the mesh.)  
  * How does this demonstrate the principle of conduction? (The metal gauze conducts heat rapidly, removing energy from the lower gas and preventing ignition.)  
  * Can this principle be used in real-world applications? (Yes, similar principles are used in flame arrestors in safety equipment.)