Flame Tube: Difference between revisions

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{| class="wikitable" style="color:black; background-color:#ddd; margin-left: auto; float:right"
{| class="wikitable" style="color:black; background-color:#ddd; margin-left: auto; float:right"
| [[Physics]]:
| [[Physics]]:
| Sound, Waves
| Sound Waves, Parts of a Wave
|-
|-
| Grade Range:
| Grade Range:
| [[Middle School]], [[High School]]
| [[Elementary School]], [[Middle School]], [[High School]]
|-
|-
| Format:
| Format:
Line 20: Line 20:
* Headphone Jack Cable
* Headphone Jack Cable
* Lighters (2)
* Lighters (2)
* Optional: Slinkies
* Power Strip
* Extension Cord
* Optional: Keyboard w/Cable Adapter
* Optional: Keyboard w/Cable Adapter
* Cellophane (for repairs)


== Safety Precautions ==
== Safety Precautions ==


Safety glasses must be worn at all times during this demonstration. The Flame Tube requires training on proper handling prior to use. This demonstration is sensitive to wind, so do not use outdoors or in a breezy room. Do not let the audience come any closer than six feet, and ask the audience to be quiet during the demonstration; it is sensitive to background noise.
Read the Fire Safety section of the [[Demonstration Safety]] Page before using this demonstration.


Read the Fire Safety section of the [[Demonstration Safety]] Page before using this demonstration.
This demonstration requires: Safety Glasses


This demonstration is sensitive to wind, so do not use outdoors or in a breezy room. In order to present this demonstration, you will need two tables to set up.


== Demonstration ==
== Demonstration ==


''NOTE: When presenting this demonstration, you will need two tables to set up. Make sure to bring a power strip and extension cord!''
;Preparation:  
 
Set the Flame Tube on the first table, with both sets of feet resting on the same table. On the second table, set the speaker next to the Flame Tube, putting the speaker about half an inch away from the cellophane seal on the side of the tube, or as close as it can get without touching. Next to the speaker, place the amplifier and tone generator. Connect the tone generator cable to the amplifier using the back port labeled "Phono", and the audio cable in the "Aux" port. Put the switch for the ports in the "Phono" position. Make sure the main volume for the speaker is at zero, then plug in the amplifier and tone generator and turn them both on. Connect the propane tank to the flame tube, and before the start of the presentation open the propane tank fully. Attempt to ignite the holes on top of the propane tank once every minute, and once lit let it stand so the flames can grow.
Preparation: Set the Flame Tube on the first table, with both sets of feet rested on the same table. On a second table, set the speaker next to the Flame Tube, putting the speaker about 1/2 in away from the cellophane seal on the side of the tube, or as close as it can get without touching the tube. Next to the speaker, place the amplifier and tone generator. Connect the tone generator cable to the amplifier using the back port labeled "Phono". put the switch next to the port in the "phono" position. Make sure the main volume for the speaker is at zero, then plug in the amplifier and tone generator and turn them both on. Connect the propane tank to the flame tube, and before the start of the show open the propane tank fully. Attempt to ignite the holes on top of the propane tank once every minute, and once lit let it stand so the flames can grow.
 
===Optional introduction===
 
# Ask the audience for examples of different types of waves. After hearing a few examples, State that there are three types of waves: Transverse, Longitudinal, and Surface Waves.
# State that Transverse waves have an up-and-down motion. Ask the audience if they know how to do "the Wave", and have them do the wave back and forth across the room!
# Pull out the slinky, and have your co-presenter hold one end as you hold the other. Working together, use the slinky to show a Transverse wave and a Longitudinal wave.
# State that a Longitudinal wave is a Compression, and call up 4-5 volunteers. Have the volunteers stand in a line, with the speaker (you) on one end and the receiver (other presenter) on the other.
# Turn and say "Hello" to the receiver. When you do, travel forward and bump into the first volunteer. Have the volunteers then travel down the line, bumping into each other until the last one bumps into the receiver. Explain how this shows a compression wave, with the "up" motion being two volunteers bumping into each other, and the "down" when they are separated.
# State that a Surface wave is a combination of these two waves. Give examples of surface waves, like an ocean wave (water presses together, which creates the up-and-down motion we see) and seismic waves, or how earthquakes travel.
 
===Flame Tube===


# Explain briefly the setup you are using; A speaker system is set against the Flame Tube, and by turning on the speaker you will put a sound wave through the tube, which we will see as a Transverse wave because of it compressing the propane inside the tube.
;Presentation:
# Explain briefly the setup you are using; A speaker system is set against the Flame Tube, and by turning on the speaker you will put a sound wave through the tube, which we will see as a Transverse wave in the fire. This is because of the sound compressing the propane gas inside the tube.
# Set the tone generator to 210Hz, and turn up the speaker volume to 1/2 full. The flames will move, creating the wave!
# Set the tone generator to 210Hz, and turn up the speaker volume to 1/2 full. The flames will move, creating the wave!
# Turn down the speaker volume, and explain the parts of the wave. State that the amplitude, or height of the wave, is adjusted by making the sound louder or quieter. Show this by turning the speaker up to 3/4 full, then off again.
# Turn down the speaker volume, and name the parts of the wave: Peak (high point), Trough (low point), Node (mid point), Amplitude (height), Frequency (note heard), and Wavelength.
# Ask the audience what will happen if you were to double the frequency. If a younger audience, ask them if they should see more waves or less waves if the note became a higher pitch. Set the tone generator to 420Hz and turn the volume up 1/2 full. The number of waves doubles!
# Ask the audience what will happen if we turn up the volume. Show that the amplitude increases, and therefore the amplitude is how ''loud'' a sound is.
# Ask the audience to vote on this: If you doubled the frequency (or "went up an octave"), should we see ''more'' waves or ''less'' waves? After getting responses, set the tone generator to 420Hz and turn the volume up 1/2 full. The number of waves will double! What kind of relationship do frequency and wavelength have?
# Flip the switch on the back of the amplifier to "Aux". Connect your phone or music player, and select a song to play for them! Songs that work well are:
# Flip the switch on the back of the amplifier to "Aux". Connect your phone or music player, and select a song to play for them! Songs that work well are:
## Secrets (OneRepublic)
#* Secrets (OneRepublic)
## Let it Go (from Frozen)
#* Let it Go (from Frozen)
## Photograph (Ed Sheeran)
#* Photograph (Ed Sheeran)
## Fly Me to the Moon (Frank Sinatra)
#* Fly Me to the Moon (Frank Sinatra)
## Iron Man (Black Sabbath)
#* Iron Man (Black Sabbath)
## Stay the Night (Zedd, Haley Williams)
#* Stay the Night (Zedd, Haley Williams)
## Bangarang (Skrillex)
#* Bangarang (Skrillex)
*''NOTE: Use the two lighters to keep re-igniting the propane while you have a song playing. The music will put out flames as it plays. Only play 30-45 seconds of any one song, so that you can play a few different songs.''
#*''NOTE: Use the two lighters to keep re-igniting the propane while you have a song playing. The music will put out flames as it plays. Only play 30-45 seconds of any one song, so that you can play a few different songs.''
* ''When you finish presenting the Flame Tube, turn off the propane tank and detach it. Place the speaker on its side, and prop the flame tube on it, with a set of feet resting on the speaker. Ignite the propane coming out of the lower end of the tube, and let it burn off until it is time to pack up.''
# When you finish presenting the Flame Tube, turn off the propane tank and detach it. Place the speaker on its side, and prop the flame tube on it, with a set of feet resting on the speaker. Ignite the propane coming out of the lower end of the tube, and let it burn off until it is time to pack up.
 


== Why It Works ==
== Why It Works ==


===Short Explanation===
This demonstration introduces ''Waves'', which are a type of oscillation that accompanies an energy transfer. Sound Waves are ''Compression'' waves, which travel with an in-and-out motion through a medium. By using the flame tube, we are transforming the compression waves into transverse waves, so to make it easier to identify the different parts of the waves. When we look at the transverse wave we made with the flame tube, we can see that there are high points and low points. The ''Peak'' is the high point, and the ''Trough'' is the low point, with the mid point of the wave being called the ''Node''. The height of a wave is the ''Amplitude'', which is often shortened to amp. To make a wave taller or shorter, you have to adjust the volume, or amps. The distance from one peak to the next is the ''Wavelength'', which with sound we can recognize it as a note. To change the note heard, you have to increase or decrease the wavelength. The ''Frequency'' of a wave is the inverse of the wavelength. A way to think of it is that the frequency is the number of waves per second. If you start at Center C on a piano and go up an octave, you are ''doubling'' the frequency of that note. Frequency and wavelength are inverse to each other, so when you double the frequency, you cut the wavelength in half! Likewise, if you cut the frequency in half, you would double the wavelength.


'''''COMING SOON'''''
{| class="wikitable" style="color:black; background-color:#ddd; text-align: center; margin: auto"
 
|+
===Full Explanation===
|-
|'''Peak''':
|'''Trough''':
|'''Node''':
|'''Amplitude''':
|'''Wavelength''':
|'''Frequency''':
|-
|Highest Point
|Lowest Point
|Mid Point
|Height of Wave
|Distance from Peak to Peak
|Number of waves over a set distance
|}


'''''COMING SOON'''''
When we listen to music, we know that there are a lot of notes in the music working together or against each other. By playing a song through the Flame Tube, you can see how some notes work together, creating really high flames or easy-to-see waves. You can also see where the notes don't work together, when certain spots in the flame tube get really low flames, or get put out! When the notes are working together, we are seeing ''constructive interference'', or interference that adds onto each other and amplifies. When the notes clash, we are seeing ''destructive interference'', or interference that subtracts from each other and diminishes.


== Tips and Tricks ==
== Additional Information ==
- Try to avoid using the Flame Tube at the end of a show, and to not run the Flame Tube for any more than 25 minutes at a time. This is to minimize any fire hazard, and to allow time so the flame tube can empty after a presentation.
* This demonstration can have the [[Slinky Waves]] as an optional opening demonstration.
* Try to avoid using the Flame Tube at the end of a show, and to not run the Flame Tube for any more than 25 minutes at a time. This is to minimize any fire hazard, and to allow time for the flame tube to empty after a presentation.

Latest revision as of 22:25, 23 May 2016

Physics: Sound Waves, Parts of a Wave
Grade Range: Elementary School, Middle School, High School
Format: Stage

This features our six foot Reuben's Tube, and is a very impressive demonstration on sound waves. this demonstration is a popular request, and is easily adapted to present to a variety of audiences.

Materials

  • Flame Tube w/Hose
  • Propane Tank
  • Speaker w/Amplifier
  • Tone Generator w/Cable
  • Headphone Jack Cable
  • Lighters (2)
  • Power Strip
  • Extension Cord
  • Optional: Keyboard w/Cable Adapter

Safety Precautions

Read the Fire Safety section of the Demonstration Safety Page before using this demonstration.

This demonstration requires: Safety Glasses

This demonstration is sensitive to wind, so do not use outdoors or in a breezy room. In order to present this demonstration, you will need two tables to set up.

Demonstration

Preparation

Set the Flame Tube on the first table, with both sets of feet resting on the same table. On the second table, set the speaker next to the Flame Tube, putting the speaker about half an inch away from the cellophane seal on the side of the tube, or as close as it can get without touching. Next to the speaker, place the amplifier and tone generator. Connect the tone generator cable to the amplifier using the back port labeled "Phono", and the audio cable in the "Aux" port. Put the switch for the ports in the "Phono" position. Make sure the main volume for the speaker is at zero, then plug in the amplifier and tone generator and turn them both on. Connect the propane tank to the flame tube, and before the start of the presentation open the propane tank fully. Attempt to ignite the holes on top of the propane tank once every minute, and once lit let it stand so the flames can grow.

Presentation
  1. Explain briefly the setup you are using; A speaker system is set against the Flame Tube, and by turning on the speaker you will put a sound wave through the tube, which we will see as a Transverse wave in the fire. This is because of the sound compressing the propane gas inside the tube.
  2. Set the tone generator to 210Hz, and turn up the speaker volume to 1/2 full. The flames will move, creating the wave!
  3. Turn down the speaker volume, and name the parts of the wave: Peak (high point), Trough (low point), Node (mid point), Amplitude (height), Frequency (note heard), and Wavelength.
  4. Ask the audience what will happen if we turn up the volume. Show that the amplitude increases, and therefore the amplitude is how loud a sound is.
  5. Ask the audience to vote on this: If you doubled the frequency (or "went up an octave"), should we see more waves or less waves? After getting responses, set the tone generator to 420Hz and turn the volume up 1/2 full. The number of waves will double! What kind of relationship do frequency and wavelength have?
  6. Flip the switch on the back of the amplifier to "Aux". Connect your phone or music player, and select a song to play for them! Songs that work well are:
    • Secrets (OneRepublic)
    • Let it Go (from Frozen)
    • Photograph (Ed Sheeran)
    • Fly Me to the Moon (Frank Sinatra)
    • Iron Man (Black Sabbath)
    • Stay the Night (Zedd, Haley Williams)
    • Bangarang (Skrillex)
    • NOTE: Use the two lighters to keep re-igniting the propane while you have a song playing. The music will put out flames as it plays. Only play 30-45 seconds of any one song, so that you can play a few different songs.
  7. When you finish presenting the Flame Tube, turn off the propane tank and detach it. Place the speaker on its side, and prop the flame tube on it, with a set of feet resting on the speaker. Ignite the propane coming out of the lower end of the tube, and let it burn off until it is time to pack up.

Why It Works

This demonstration introduces Waves, which are a type of oscillation that accompanies an energy transfer. Sound Waves are Compression waves, which travel with an in-and-out motion through a medium. By using the flame tube, we are transforming the compression waves into transverse waves, so to make it easier to identify the different parts of the waves. When we look at the transverse wave we made with the flame tube, we can see that there are high points and low points. The Peak is the high point, and the Trough is the low point, with the mid point of the wave being called the Node. The height of a wave is the Amplitude, which is often shortened to amp. To make a wave taller or shorter, you have to adjust the volume, or amps. The distance from one peak to the next is the Wavelength, which with sound we can recognize it as a note. To change the note heard, you have to increase or decrease the wavelength. The Frequency of a wave is the inverse of the wavelength. A way to think of it is that the frequency is the number of waves per second. If you start at Center C on a piano and go up an octave, you are doubling the frequency of that note. Frequency and wavelength are inverse to each other, so when you double the frequency, you cut the wavelength in half! Likewise, if you cut the frequency in half, you would double the wavelength.

Peak: Trough: Node: Amplitude: Wavelength: Frequency:
Highest Point Lowest Point Mid Point Height of Wave Distance from Peak to Peak Number of waves over a set distance

When we listen to music, we know that there are a lot of notes in the music working together or against each other. By playing a song through the Flame Tube, you can see how some notes work together, creating really high flames or easy-to-see waves. You can also see where the notes don't work together, when certain spots in the flame tube get really low flames, or get put out! When the notes are working together, we are seeing constructive interference, or interference that adds onto each other and amplifies. When the notes clash, we are seeing destructive interference, or interference that subtracts from each other and diminishes.

Additional Information

  • This demonstration can have the Slinky Waves as an optional opening demonstration.
  • Try to avoid using the Flame Tube at the end of a show, and to not run the Flame Tube for any more than 25 minutes at a time. This is to minimize any fire hazard, and to allow time for the flame tube to empty after a presentation.
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