PROBLEM:
A candle is balanced on a horizontal needle placed through it near its centre of mass. When the candle is lit at both ends, it may start to oscillate. Investigate the phenomenon.

OBJECTIVE:
Maximize the output mechanical power of the system.



So I know that it is caused by the shift in mass though I would like to elaborate more.
Also, assume that the "normal" is when the candle is parallel to the ground.
When the wick lower than the candle burns the surface area is increased, therefore it burns faster causing the other end to become the heavier side. And so the cycle continues.
I've hit a bit of a dead end and don't know where to go on from here.

Any suggestions? Or more in-depth explanation on the phenomenon ?
Also what type of physics is this related to?

Thanks =D

That's an interesting little contraption. The type of physics is really just basic mechanics, with a little thermodynamics maybe.

Let me see if I've got this in my mind straight. The candle is mounted on a pivot through the width and both ends are lit. one side will be heavier than the other so dips down, this causes the heat from the wick (which rises upwards) to burn the wax faster, which causes it to be come lighter than the other end, and so you form a cycle in this way?

Just want to check I'm visualising it right.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Capuchin

That's an interesting little contraption. The type of physics is really just basic mechanics, with a little thermodynamics maybe.

Let me see if i've got this in my mind straight. The candle is mounted on a pivot through the width and both ends are lit. one side will be heavier than the other so dips down, this causes the heat from the wick (which rises upwards) to burn the wax faster, which causes it to be come lighter than the other end, and so you form a cycle in this way?

Just want to check i'm visualising it right.

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Yes. That's correct.