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Why does a flame make noise when I blow it out? I found that when I blew out a candle it made a noise... or maybe it was my breath that made the noise, but the noise only happens when the flame goes or is going out. I also find that my stove makes the same noise when I turn it on.
(2 votes) average rating:4.5

Asked by carly
on 2010-12-08 03:11:01

Member status
none

Categories: Domestic Science.

Tags: flame, noise, candle.

3 answer(s)

Reply	ephoenix6 says: I'm guessing it has to do with friction between air and the flame when a flame is blown on, but not neccesariy out. (no votes) Tags: fire, flame, noise, candle.
	posted on 2010-12-08 14:43:20 \| Report abuse

Reply	dubba says: My best guess is that as you start to blow you give the flame more oxygen for a short while, letting it burn more molten wax so you have more gases from combustion and maybe some wax being evaporated, until your blow causes the wick to cool down and extinguish the flame (no votes) Tags: flame, noise, candle.
	posted on 2010-12-08 17:27:04 \| Report abuse

Reply	Georg says: I think a Kármán vortex street is formed and the vortex cells fill with uncombusted gases, deflagrating then to produce the sound. A high speed camera could help. Georg (no votes) Tags: flame, noise, candle.
	posted on 2010-12-08 18:15:07 \| Report abuse

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