Magical Math
- Submitted by: eidahm
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- Category: Science
- Date Submitted: 01/12/2011 12:23 AM
- Pages: 2
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Magical Match
A very visual physics-related magic trick to wow your audience.
Ingredients
•matchboxes (one empty)
•matches
Instructions
1. Lie the empty matchbox flat on the table, slightly open,
With the empty section facing upwards.
2. Insert two matches into the empty matchbox so that the
heads point out from the matchbox. Close the matchbox
as much as possible so that the two matches are securely
held.
3. Angle the two matches so that the heads are touching.
4.Rest a third match so that the head meets the other two, and the tail is resting on the table, pointing away from the empty matchbox. The three matches should now form a triangular pyramid shape with the three heads at the top point of the pyramid.
5. Use a fourth match to light the others from underneath.
6. Watch as the third match 'magically' rises off the table!
How does it work?
When the three match heads ignite they fuse together. In the case of the third
match, the top and bottom surfaces of the match burn at different rates, causing a
gradient in the surface temperature and tension across the match. The differing
tensions across the third match cause an upward force to be exerted upon it. The
two original matches are fixed in place, therefore the three match heads form a
pivot point, from which the third match 'magically' rises.
Tips for Success
For the greatest amount of lift make sure that the matches are placed as
symmetrically and as securely as possible.
Serving Suggestions
This is a good demonstration to perform for small groups, i.e. once you have attracted
a small crowd.
Did You Know?
The same effect can be seen in many domestic thermostats. It can be amplified by
attaching two strips of material together with different rates of expansion (a bi-
metallic strip).As the temperature rises, the greater expansion on one side of the
strips causes it to curve further and further. This can be incorporated into a switch
that will connect and cut off a...
A very visual physics-related magic trick to wow your audience.
Ingredients
•matchboxes (one empty)
•matches
Instructions
1. Lie the empty matchbox flat on the table, slightly open,
With the empty section facing upwards.
2. Insert two matches into the empty matchbox so that the
heads point out from the matchbox. Close the matchbox
as much as possible so that the two matches are securely
held.
3. Angle the two matches so that the heads are touching.
4.Rest a third match so that the head meets the other two, and the tail is resting on the table, pointing away from the empty matchbox. The three matches should now form a triangular pyramid shape with the three heads at the top point of the pyramid.
5. Use a fourth match to light the others from underneath.
6. Watch as the third match 'magically' rises off the table!
How does it work?
When the three match heads ignite they fuse together. In the case of the third
match, the top and bottom surfaces of the match burn at different rates, causing a
gradient in the surface temperature and tension across the match. The differing
tensions across the third match cause an upward force to be exerted upon it. The
two original matches are fixed in place, therefore the three match heads form a
pivot point, from which the third match 'magically' rises.
Tips for Success
For the greatest amount of lift make sure that the matches are placed as
symmetrically and as securely as possible.
Serving Suggestions
This is a good demonstration to perform for small groups, i.e. once you have attracted
a small crowd.
Did You Know?
The same effect can be seen in many domestic thermostats. It can be amplified by
attaching two strips of material together with different rates of expansion (a bi-
metallic strip).As the temperature rises, the greater expansion on one side of the
strips causes it to curve further and further. This can be incorporated into a switch
that will connect and cut off a...