Candle Flame in an Electric Field

When the . power supply is switched on, the candle flame splits into two portions in opposite directions. The hot flame of the candle ionises the air molecules in its surrounding into positive and negative ions. The positive ions are heavier and move much slower. Thus, a larger portion of the flame follows the positive ions, moving towards the negative plate. The negative charge are electrons and are very much lighter than the positive ions. They move faster towards the positive plate and more easily. Thus, the portion of the flame that follows the negative ions are much smaller and thinner. This practical really does need a 25kV supply to work well. Also in a uniform electrical field the electrical field strength (Vm-1) is E∝𝑉/𝑑 so when we move the electrodes closer they put out the flame as E∝1/𝑑 as the field strength is stronger. At the end we can see the soot on the negative electrode due to the ions from the flame. It’s a great demo for separation of ions and electrons and evidence i