Like when you light a match...you can turn the match all different directions but the flame always points up..?? The oxygen is all around it so why just up??
Thanks
2006-12-31 16:19:24 · 8 answers · asked by justforthisonepost 3 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
The reason is gravity..
Check this site for an explanation on how gravity is involved here..
http://www.wonderquest.com/gravity-pushes-flames-and-hot-air-up.htm
2006-12-31 21:09:13 · answer #1 · answered by *♥* Preethi :-) *♥* 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A flame does not always point up. This was shown by doing flame experiments on the Space Shuttle. Of course, having open flames in space is difficult, since you need to provide both fuel and oxidizer, but it forms a sphere. It is gravity and atmosphere that causes Earth-bound flames to go up.
2006-12-31 16:57:04 · answer #2 · answered by p_carroll 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are atleast 2 prevalent cases:
(i) when its just a match stick or a common lighter, the fact that hot gases are lighter and so rise upwards explains the upward direction of flames.
(ii)when the flame is due to a continuous supply of a combustible gas, the flame point upwards when the flow rate is very low, but appears to align along the direction of flow when the flowrate of the combustible gas is high.
2006-12-31 18:21:25 · answer #3 · answered by Venkat 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Gravity. warm air is lighter than chilly and could waft up wards. it is why a flame is blue on backside and crimson on acceptable the less warm extra dense heavy air is on the backside and the hotter air is on the right.
2016-12-15 12:48:56 · answer #4 · answered by mijarez 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The burning gas is hotter and lighter than those in the neighbourhood/vicinity. So the flame always turns upright.
2006-12-31 16:23:21 · answer #5 · answered by Sheen 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
because heat rises.
hold your hand way above a lit candle and slowly lower it until you feel the heat.
you know what else is cool? after the wick has burned awhile, blow it out then slowly bring a lit match/lighter towards the wick and it will relight (like those trick candles). this is because the flammable vapors are all around the wick and only need a little heat to ignite.
2006-12-31 16:24:08 · answer #6 · answered by smokincasey 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
beleive it or not ... but gravity is the reason dont ask how ... i seen a test on flames in the space station. and the match burned all weird.....because their was no gravity
2006-12-31 18:48:13 · answer #7 · answered by moblade103 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
heat rises
2006-12-31 16:21:03 · answer #8 · answered by jake 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋