Naked Science Forum

General Science => General Science => Topic started by: thedoc on 30/10/2013 20:44:59

Title: Why can a finger pass through a flame and not burn?
Post by: thedoc on 30/10/2013 20:44:59
Why can a finger be passed through a flame and not burn?

Asked by Andre


                                        Visit the webpage for the podcast in which this question is answered. (http://www.thenakedscientists.com/HTML/podcasts/naked-scientists/show/2008.10.12/)

[chapter podcast=1215 track=08.10.12/Naked_Scientists_Show_08.10.12_2652.mp3](https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thenakedscientists.com%2FHTML%2Ftypo3conf%2Fext%2Fnaksci_podcast%2Fgnome-settings-sound.gif&hash=f2b0d108dc173aeaa367f8db2e2171bd)  ...or Listen to the Answer[/chapter] or [download as MP3] (http://nakeddiscovery.com/downloads/split_individual/08.10.12/Naked_Scientists_Show_08.10.12_2652.mp3)

Title: Why can a finger pass through a flame and not burn?
Post by: ukmicky on 07/09/2008 18:05:56
Because you dont leave it in the flame long enough for your skin to heat up enough.
Title: Why can a finger pass through a flame and not burn?
Post by: neilep on 08/09/2008 13:24:35
Doesn't work with a blow torch !
Title: Why can a finger pass through a flame and not burn?
Post by: neilep on 08/09/2008 13:24:50
...erhmm...unless it's not lit !!
Title: Why can a finger pass through a flame and not burn?
Post by: Karen W. on 08/09/2008 13:39:35
well, I think maybe when you pass your finger though the fame you are also pushing air at the  flame which possibly forces the flame away from te skin Long enough to pass the finger over it...
i think maybe if one just loweed the finger over the flame then you would recieve a burn as their is nowhere fir the flame to lean as it is on the entire wick.. does tht make any sense.... could that be why?
Title: Why can a finger pass through a flame and not burn?
Post by: neilep on 08/09/2008 13:47:28
I used to this all the time...Michael is absolutely right...it's just not within the flame long enough...though...you do accumulate soot which looks impressive !
Title: Why can a finger pass through a flame and not burn?
Post by: Karen W. on 08/09/2008 13:56:37
that amazes me..I am to afraid to burn my finger to try it.....I am sceered of fire!! Lol..... It even leaves soot??  We should dub you boys, Sir sparkies.... masters of the flames!!!
Title: Why can a finger pass through a flame and not burn?
Post by: neilep on 08/09/2008 14:12:37
Of course..as a sheepy I have to be extremely careful....wool burns !!
Title: Why can a finger pass through a flame and not burn?
Post by: Bored chemist on 08/09/2008 19:33:22
Doesn't work with a blow torch !
Does if you move it quick enough but, since I dont advocate swinging your hands about near very hot things, don't try this at home.
Title: Why can a finger pass through a flame and not burn?
Post by: Karen W. on 08/09/2008 19:59:04
Yes Sheepy ...You be careful Please.. as there is not much worse then the smell of Dirty, stinky old burning wool!!!!! Yuckkkkkkkk!

Oh not to mention singed wool  could turn our Sheepy To the Darkside.... then where would we all be if we lost the power of The Sheepy!!!
Long live our hero Sheepy... May the force be with you....
 and never allow the wool to be pulled over your eyes. as sheepy is Hot....but If you singed your beautiful wool It may make you a bit to well done  ........not only will you be Hot, but you will be smokin' Hot......!!!! You won't be able to stand  yourself!!! Hee Hee.....