This causes the center of mass to move back and forth across the pin as the candle bums. With each cycle the candle will rock less then the time before. This is due to the friction in the pin causing the speed of the candle rotation to slow down. If the candle comes to a stop at a level position you may want to carefully hold one end of the candle up to reset the center of mass to one side. It is important to note that if the candle does tilt too far in one direction the wax will put the flame out.
Fire is a dangerous thing.
Please take caution as you use it in this experiment. You are guest number since Sept. 15, 1999. Div. of Sci. Search Send comments and questions to Irina Nelson, Ph.D. , Physics Professor. Johnny Erickson currently creates and maintains this site.