Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

We couldn't find the same model of the barbecue fire starter required for the experiment. What can we do? Some people can help me? I don't know what is happening, but the experiment is not working.The spark we are getting,even with the electrodes alone is very weak.We've trying with smaller spheres and they have to be very very close together,almost touching themselves,as to see a very tinny spark.When we separate them a little bit,no spark at all.

Hi!
The first thing I would suggest is to look online and see if maybe you can order a similar barbecue fire starter from a mega-hardware store (this is, most probably, the best solution). Another alternative would be to alter the entire experiment, but depending on your time constraints, this might not be feasible. Keep trying and let us know if you find a suitable alternative!

I looked online at the models that attach to stoves, and it seems they might still work? I also searched for "piezoelectric lighter" and found several options. You might want to try a local camping / outdoor store. Here is an example of one: http://www.gleasoncamping.com/piezoelectriclighter.aspx

Keith

josarmi1 wrote:We couldn't find the same model of the barbecue fire starter required for the experiment. What can we do? Some people can help me? I don't know what is happening, but the experiment is not working.The spark we are getting,even with the electrodes alone is very weak.We've trying with smaller spheres and they have to be very very close together,almost touching themselves,as to see a very tinny spark.When we separate them a little bit,no spark at all.

tnx