Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Since my other project idea had too many uncontrolled variables, I came up with another one:
Which chapstick burns the best? or Which burns best: Chapstick, Lipstick, or Lip Gloss

What is a way that I could ignite the 'sticks without burning up too much of it while holding the flame to it.

aria12 - I'm not sure what the hypothesis is. By 'burns best' are you referring to the temperature or the flame, total caloric content or some other attribute of the fuel. Are you using a calorimeter in your experiment? Please expand your question and perhaps we can help better. Thank you.

Rick Marz

I was thinking of measuring "best" as in the "best" fire starter. I'm actually still trying to determine if I can do this project without affecting the outcome.

So, since I'm thinking of Chapstick as a firestarter, I guess that "best" would mean how long the flame would burn before using up all of the fuel. Is there any other way that I could gauge a firestarter?

I need to decide by tomorrow if I can do this project (my original deadline was Jan 3rd), so can someone please help me?

Okay, I'm doing it, so i don't need an answer... But it would be nice .