2006-10-12 22:37:59 · 20 answers · asked by Nick P 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
without gravity the flame can't form a coherent shape
that means the exhaust gas,
including wax vapour due to incomplete combustion,
tries to diffuse in all directions
and inhibits the arrival of oxygen
2006-10-12 22:41:05 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 7⤊ 0⤋
I don't know what effect zero gravity has on a candle flame but if it had no effect then it still wouldn't be a good idea. It's probable that the spaceship would have a pressurised, oxygen enriched environment which would cause the candle to burn wildly. Have a look for Apollo 1 and see how quick that burn up when a fire started in a pressurised pure oxygen capsual.
2006-10-13 03:33:46 · answer #2 · answered by gfminis 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If this a trick question, the answer is "You can, but it goes out again quite soon". Otherwise, it's amazing that only leadbelly and amania_r have got it right so far, and leadbelly didn't explain it very well.
The candle heats the air nearest the flame, which makes it less dense. With gravity, the less dense air rises, and is replaced by denser cold air with fresh oxygen for the flame to burn. Without gravity, hot air is no different from cold air, so it stays where it is, and when enough of its oxygen is used up, the flame goes out.
2006-10-13 00:34:00 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Although the atmosphere in a spaceship is oxygen rich, the reduced air pressure cancels this out.
The problem is that because there is no gravity there is no convection current to bring fresh oxygen to the flame. On Earth, the hot air rises from the flame and draws oxygen into the flame from underneath.
In a spaceship, you could get the same effect by gently blowing the flame thus keeping it alight.
2006-10-12 23:12:14 · answer #4 · answered by amania_r 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
You should be able to though, it may not be such a good idea as the atmosphere in a space ship tends to be oxygen rich.
The shape of the flame on planet earth is usually controlled by localised air convection caused by the heat from the flame. I don't know whether this would be so in space.
2006-10-12 22:48:16 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 3⤋
No 7-11 to get matches. No, really, it's true. There are no 7-11s in space. I think AM-PM will get the nod first.
2006-10-13 01:56:57 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
did you get this question out the newspaper? I like leadbelly's answer best i'm going witht that
2006-10-13 11:33:21 · answer #7 · answered by fishfinger 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it's in a space ship and the oxygen is being fed through tanks like you find at hospitals then I guess there would be a good chance of an explosion...
2006-10-12 22:47:36 · answer #8 · answered by Fu Manchu 4 · 1⤊ 4⤋
OK Is this what really happened on the space shuttle?
2006-10-13 01:02:01 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
cause in spaceship there's no oxygen and to light a candle or a fire,, you need oxygen. that simple
2006-10-12 22:47:48 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 7⤋