Smoke science experiment |
"Exploring Airflow with Smoke"
Objective: To observe and understand the behavior of smoke particles in different airflows.
Materials:
Matches or a lighter
A small piece of paper or incense stick
A clear glass jar or container with a lid
A fan (optional)
Safety goggles (recommended)
Adult supervision (recommended for young children)
Procedure:
Choose a well-ventilated area for conducting the experiment. It's best to perform it near an open window or in a space with good airflow.
Put on safety goggles to protect your eyes.
Take the clear glass jar or container and make sure it's
clean and dry.
Light a match or a lighter and let it burn for a few seconds
to produce smoke. Alternatively, you can light a small piece of paper or an
incense stick and blow it out, so it smolders and produces smoke.
Hold the lit match, lighter, or smoldering material inside
the jar, and then quickly cover the jar with the lid.
Observe the smoke inside the jar. Note the movement and
behavior of the smoke particles.
If you have a fan, turn it on and direct it towards the jar
from a distance. Observe how the airflow affects the movement of the smoke.
Remove the lid and let the smoke disperse. Repeat the
experiment multiple times, varying the strength and direction of the airflow if
you have a fan.
Note: Make sure to exercise caution when handling fire and
hot objects. It's always a good idea to have adult supervision, especially for
young children.
Explanation:
Smoke consists of tiny particles that are easily moved by
airflow. When you light the match or smoldering material, it produces smoke
particles that are initially at rest inside the jar. When you cover the jar,
the smoke particles become trapped, and their movement becomes more visible. As
you introduce airflow into the jar by removing the lid or using a fan, the
smoke particles will start to move in the direction of the airflow,
demonstrating how air can transport particles. This experiment helps you
understand the behavior of smoke and how it responds to different airflow
conditions.
Remember to conduct this experiment responsibly and prioritize safety at all times.