When I leave my lighter outside in the cold, it is hard to light and the flame runs low. But when I keep it inside where it is warm, it fires right up.
2006-12-20 06:25:26 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
If it's a gas lighter (like a BIC), then a higher temperature will increase the pressure of the gas (according to equation pV= NKT).
When things get hot, they get more energetic (kinetic energy--think balls bouncing off a wall and everywhere). When you keep them in a confined space--the pressure will increase.
The lighter was designed to operate at room temperature.
2006-12-20 06:32:01 · answer #1 · answered by Stu F 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Butane is liquid under pressure inside the lighter. It evaporates rapidly when you open the valve, but more slowly at lower temperatures. So, you don't get as much gas flow.
2006-12-20 15:57:28 · answer #2 · answered by Dr. R 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My guess is that you're talking about a butane lighter. The butane has to boil in order to get out of the nozzle and be burned. In cold weather, you're getting down close to the boiling point of butane, -0.5 Celsius.
2006-12-20 06:32:56 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Who cares? What matters is that you can smoke thanks to that lighter...
2006-12-20 08:30:05 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋