======Van de Graaff Candle======


<WRAP right box>
**Materials: **{{$demo.materials_description}}\\
**Difficulty: **{{$demo.difficulty_description}}\\
**Safety: **{{$demo.safety_description}}\\
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**Categories:** {{$demo.categories}}
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**Alternative titles:** Electrical Wind
</WRAP>

====Summary====                   
{{$demo.summary}}



====Procedure====  
 - Set up the Van de Graaff generator with a discharge rod nearby.  
  - Place a lit candle in a holder so that the flame is level with the dome and about 6 inches away.  
  - Turn on the generator and observe how the candle flame deflects toward or away from the dome.  
  - For a stronger effect, position the candle between the dome and the discharge rod and watch the flame dance as ions move in response to the electric field.  
  - When finished, turn off the generator and safely discharge the dome with the grounding rod.



====Links==== 
Physics demo: Fire plus Van De Graaff - Rhett Allain: 
{{youtube>yQOZ9plW-AY?}}\\


📄 Van de Graaff - Candle - IOWA Department of Physics & Astronomy: [[https://instructional-resources.physics.uiowa.edu/5b3040-van-de-graaff-candle]]\\



====Variations====
  * Try varying the distance between the candle and the dome to see how flame deflection changes.  
  * Compare the behavior of a small tea-light flame versus a tall taper candle.  
  * Use incense sticks instead of a candle to create visible smoke trails that show the movement of ionized air.



====Safety Precautions====
  * Keep all flammable materials, clothing, and hair away from the candle flame.  
  * Always use a stable candle holder to prevent tipping.  
  * Use the grounding rod to safely discharge the Van de Graaff after the demo.  
  * Perform in a well-ventilated area but away from strong drafts that may interfere with the flame.  
  * Do not leave an open flame unattended.




====Questions to Consider====
  * Why does the candle flame lean toward or away from the dome?  
  * What role do charged particles (ions) play in this effect?  
  * How does the electric field of the Van de Graaff extend into the space around it?  
  * What similarities does this have with natural lightning or other atmospheric electrical phenomena?  
  * Would the effect be the same in a vacuum or without ionized gases?