Have you ever wondered how warm air behaves – how does it circulate in a room? Make a spiral to help you answer this question.
YOU WILL NEED
- printed spiral pattern (download attachment on the left)
- scissors
- a needle and thread, approx. 20 cm long
- clip
- candle and matches
- heater
Instructions
First, print out the spiral pattern (attachment above) and cut it out. Pierce the center of the finished spiral with a needle and pull the thread through. Then tie a clip on the other side of the thread. Then light the candle and place the spiral about 10 cm above the candle. Also, try placing the spiral above the radiator and next to the radiator to see the difference.
Observations and conclusions
What did you observe? The paper spiral placed over the candle or heater began to spin. This is because the warm air heated below rises upward. As it moves, it hits the paper and sets it in motion.
What does this mean? Warm air rises, and when it cools, it falls down and can be reheated by a radiator that is near the floor. Therefore, you should place the radiator as close to the floor as possible, because it warms the room better.
The materials were produced as part of the project „Eco Detectives and urban puzzles” implemented by UNEP / GRID – Warsaw Center and CultureLab Foundation and funded by Veolia Polska Foundation in cooperation with the Air Protection and Climate Policy Office of the City of Warsaw in the framework of the Partnership for Climate.
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