Magic of Science

Ignition of smoke

For this trick you will need a candle, matches.

View the video on the right. The candle can be lit by igniting the smoke that comes from it.

Is this possible with other smoke vapours? View the video on the right.

Watch what happens.

Explain what you see.

You may wish to consider the following questions before you attempt an explanation.

Does the smoke always ignite back to the source of the smoke? Form a hypothesis as to why the smoke ignites in this manner and suggest a way that you can test for this hypothesis.
Click to see the composition of the white smoke
Click to see another animation of the smoke trick that will help you answer the question above.

When you place flour on a bench and try to light it with a match nothing happens, but when you blow fine flour powder onto a flame it ignites with spectacular results, as shown on the right. Explain using the words surface area, collisions, molecules, oxygen?

Why are fine powders easily ignited? Consider collision theory in your explanation.Use this magic trick as an example.

Explain why smoke from a smoldering fire can be easily ignited?