Experiment of the Week -#199 Blowing Out a Candle Since it is
mid-December, it is time once again for me to read Michael
Faraday's Chemical History of a Candle. This wonderful book is
one of best of his Christmas lectures for children and it is
still in print years later. If you have never read this book, I
highly recommend it, both for the information and to experience
Faraday's marvelous style of science. In keeping with my annual
tradition, I have an experiment for you that uses a candle. What
is involved in blowing out a candle? You that if you blow on the
flame, it goes out, but why? To find out, you * a candle * a
lighter or matches * a candle holder or some aluminum foil * a
dinner plate WARNING! THIS EXPERIMENT USES A LIT CANDLE. Be safe
and use good judgement. Never experiment with fire when you are
alone. You should always have one or more adults with you, in
case there is an accident. Place your candle in a holder. If you
don't have a holder, you can make a temporary one by crumpling a
ball of alum