Candle and Water Rising

When a burning candle is covered with an inverted container standing in water, the candle eventually goes out and the water rises inside the container.

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

The Rising Water - Science Experiment - Hungry SciANNtist:

Why Does Water Rise? The Candle Experiment - Sally Ride Science:

📄 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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?