Loren+T14

Loren T. 2013-2014
 * DETERMINING HOW THE VOLTAGE OF AN ELECTROMAGNET AFFECTS A FLAME **

The effect of electromagnets of differing voltages on a flame was determined. The first experiment was how far from a flame electromagnets of differing voltages affected a flame. It was hypothesized that the 9 volt electromagnet would be 27 cm away from the flame, the 6 volt electromagnet would be 18 cm away, and the 1.5 volt electromagnet 4.5 cm away. The electromagnet was placed 20 centimeters away from the flame, and, if the flame had not reacted, slowly moved towards the flame until it reacted. If the flame had reacted at 20 cm, the electromagnet was slowly moved away from the flame until it stopped reacting, and then the electromagnet was slowly moved towards the flame until it reacted. After three trials the average flame reaction distances were: the 9 volt electromagnet was 28.2 cm away; the 6 volt electromagnet was 26.5 cm away; and the 1.5 volt battery was 9 cm away. The purpose of the second experiment was to determine how far away from a flame electromagnets with different thickness wires affected the flame. After three trails the average distances away from the flame were: the 1/7 cm wire was 38.33 cm away; the 1/3 cm wire was 31.17 cm away; and the 1/40 cm wire was 26.33 cm away. The third experiment was to determine whether the burner type could be affected from further away by an electromagnet. The electromagnet was 21.5 cm away from the gas burner and 28.8 cm away from the candle.
 * ABSTRACT **

**EXPERIMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS & FUTURE EXPERIMENTS**

Even though this phenomenon has been witnessed many times by many people, it was still unknown about how flames react to electromagnets. Further experiments could explore how this happens. High speed cameras could record how the flame reacts over time. Also, more materials such as wood, paper, and oils, could be tested in order to elucidate how specific chemical reactions affect the experiment. Speculatively, this natural phenomenon could be used to contain fires by setting up external heat sensors around houses. When the external heat sensors detected heat above 400 degrees Fahrenheit, all the power going towards the house would be diverted into a circular series of electromagnets around the house to contain the fire until the proper authorities would be notified.

