Exploring a flame

| Exploring a Flame |

Figure 1

Introduction A flame does not have a uniform temperature. Temperature differences within a flame can be mapped with a thermocouple (a highly sensitive, fast responding Temperature sensor ranging from 0°C to 1250°C). In the following experiment, we are going to explore a candle flame in three characteristic areas labeled with 1, 2 and 3 in Figure 1.

Equipment 

einstein™Tablet with MiLAB or Android /IOS tablet with MiLAB and einstein™LabMate



Candle



Matches



Thermocouple Type K (0°C to 1250°C)

Equipment Setup Procedure 1.

Launch MiLAB™ (

).

2.

3.

Connect the Thermocouple sensor to one of the ports on the einstein™Tablet or einstein™LabMate.

Make sure that only the Thermocouple sensor is selected.

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| Exploring a Flame |

Data Logger Setup Program the sensor to log data according to the following setup: Temperature (0째C to 1250째C) Rate:

10 / sec

Duration:

100 sec

Experimental Procedure 1.

Light a candle and let it burn for approximately two minutes before starting the experiment.

2.

Select Run (

3.

) to begin recording data.

Record the room temperature before you bring the sensor to the flame (note that the thermocouple is very sensitive and responds quickly).

Monitor the temperature in three different areas of the flame (see Figure 1): a. The top of the dark area around the wick 3. b. The middle of the yellow area. c. The top of the yellow area 1.

4.

Select Stop (

) to stop collecting data.

5.

Save your data by selecting Save (

).

Data Analysis Plotting Temperature vs. Time shows us that the flame is hottest at the top and gets cooler the lower you dip the sensor:

2 3 Temperature (0C)

1

Figure 2

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| Exploring a Flame |

Questions 1.

2.

What are the temperatures in each of the flame zones? (1, 2 & 3).

Try to explain the temperature differences within the flame.

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