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This demonstration show conservation of angular momentum as flames from a bowl of burning alcohol spiral upward. As the hot air rises, the flames move upward and spin about the bowl of alcohol.
* Equipment seen in the video may vary from equipment used in ND Demonstrations. See information and images below for ND equipment and setup.
Setup:
Place the turntable on the lab bench. Place the aluminum cover on the turntable and the stainless steel dish in the center of the cover. Place the cage on the turntable and secure it with the band clamp.
Pour a small amount of denatured alcohol in the dish. (Hint: a little bit goes a long way!)
Carefully light the alcohol, close and lock the cage door.
Spin the turntable to watch the flames spiral upward.
Once complete, let the alcohol burn off before disassembly.
Notes:
Be sure to have a fire extinguisher.
Make sure everything is secure before spinning.
It is important to get the bowl centered on the turntable for the best effect.
Courses Used In:
PHYS 10111
PHYS 10310
PHYS 10410
PHYS 30210
Discussion and Polling Questions:
Will this experiment work if the flame is not centered?
Will this experiment work without the mesh?
Is the angular momentum of the air in the tornado increasing or decreasing?
Equipment Needed:
Large Turntable
Aluminum Turntable Cover
Metal Cage
Special Band Clamp
Stainless Steel Bowl
Denatured Alcohol
Lighter or Matches
Fire Extinguisher
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