[thedoc (OP)]

Look inside a candle using nothing more sophisticated than a sieve, and find out how the same principle saved thousands of lives.

Read more about this kitchen science experiment.

Listen to the Experiment [chapter podcast=2582 track=10.05.30/Naked_Scientists_Show_10.05.30_6362.mp3","]_{Part 1}[/chapter] [chapter podcast=2582 track=10.05.30/Naked_Scientists_Show_10.05.30_6372.mp3","]_{Part 2}[/chapter] [chapter podcast=2582 track=10.05.30/Naked_Scientists_Show_10.05.30_6362.mp3][/chapter]
...or download as MP3 [1] [2]

[thedoc (OP)]

Listen to this experiment on our podcast by clicking here

Listen to the Experiment [chapter podcast=2582 track=10.05.30/Naked_Scientists_Show_10.05.30_6362.mp3","]Part 1[/chapter] [chapter podcast=2582 track=10.05.30/Naked_Scientists_Show_10.05.30_6372.mp3","]Part 2[/chapter] [chapter podcast=2582 track=10.05.30/Naked_Scientists_Show_10.05.30_6362.mp3][/chapter]...or download as MP3 [1] [2]

[Dr. Louis G. Casagrande]

I am a high school chemistry teacher, and I have my students perform a lab every year in which we investigate the mechanics and chemistry of the candle flame. Up until now I have used a number of different tricks to tease out the structure of the flame, including using an index card place just above the wick, removed quickly so not to burn, to look at the annular cross section, and glass tubing placed in the top and near the wick to observe the two forms of smoke. I will be modifying the lab this year to use the gauze instead--it is much easier - and safer.

Thank you for this great kitchen science episode, and the wonderful illustrations as well!