Lava Lamp

Introduction

Every matter in the universe is composed of tiny particles called molecules. They attract each other with some attractive force. There exists an intermolecular force of attraction between molecules. Based on the force of attraction between the molecules, matter is classified into five categories.

They are solid, liquid, gas, plasma, and Bose-Einstein.

Solids are matter in which the distance between the molecules is very small and they are tightly bound to each other. Liquids are matter having molecules at a small distance and they are bound less tightly than solids. Plasma state molecules have high kinetic energy. The molecules in all matters move and so they have kinetic energy. In solids, the molecules move more slowly than in liquids and gases. so their kinetic energy is low. The molecules in a gas are free to move and so their kinetic energy is high. Density and kinetic energy are interconnected with each other. If the kinetic energy is high then the density is low.

What is a lava lamp?

A lava lamp also called an Astro lamp is used for decoration and is an example of a convection current. The lava lamp contains a glass jar in which a special colored wax mixture is placed inside the glass. And the space beyond the wax mixture is filled with a clear translucent liquid. Then the glass jar is placed on an incandescent light bulb. Before switching on the bulb the wax is at the bottom of the glass only. After switching on the bulb the heat that is transmitted from the bulb to the glass jar changes the physical behavior of the liquid inside the jar. That is, the density of the wax inside the glass gets decreases. The warmed wax rises in the liquid and gets cooled hence it comes down and the process continues. According to its appearance, it is called a lava lamp.

History of a lava lamp

The concept of the lava lamp was first created by British entrepreneur Edward Craven-Walker in 1963. David George Smith was hired by Craven-Walker for developing the concept and invented the first display device in 1965. Craven-Walker named this Astro and then Astro mini and then after Astro coach lantern. Adolph Wertheimer and Hy Spector after seeing the lava lamp in the German fair got the American rights. In the 1970s Larry Haggerty bought the US rights.

Types of a lava lamp

The lava lamp is classified into two types. The two types of lava lamps are glitter lava lamps and classic lava lamps. It is difficult to explain the two types. The only important fact about the types of lava lamps is that glitter lamps get heated faster than the classic lava lamp.

Working of the lava lamp

Generally, the thing which can sink or float in the water depends on the density of the material. If the material is denser than the surrounding water then it will sink into the water. If it is less dense than the surrounding water then it will float on the water. This is the fact that is used in the lava lamp.

Generally, a lava lamp contains a glass bottle that is filled with water and transparent, translucent liquids such as oil, paraffin, and carbon tetrachloride. A common wax has a density less than the density of water which makes it float on top of the water. But carbon tetrachloride has a density higher than the water so it sinks into the water. So it is added to the wax to make it heavier. Then the mixture is placed on the bulb. The heat from the bulb makes the wax gets heated and its density is reduced to water. Because the wax expands more than the water. Due to the heat, the wax beads are raised and the liquid above makes it cool. Thus the density increases and it comes down. This process continues. If the power of the bulb is 25-40 W, then it will take around 45min to 60 min for the wax.

Characteristics

The quality of the glass used in the lava lamp is an important factor of it. Lava lamps also come in different sizes with different shapes just like ordinary light lamps. They come in different colors. The different colors of the lava lamp give an ambient and relaxing feeling. And it will not conflict with the room color. The lava lamps are not as costly as other decorative lights. The lava lamps come in different shapes and sizes. This can also be customized as we wish to. That is we can make our images appear through the lava lamp. The light and the color intensity make it look pleasant. The maintenance of the lava lamp makes it to handle easy.

Conclusion

In this tutorial, the lava lamp, the history of a lava lamp, and the types of lava lamps were discussed. The working of lava lamps and their characteristics were also discussed in detail.

FAQs

Q1. What are the factors affecting the behaviour of gases?

Ans: The factors that affect the behaviour of gas are Temperature (T), Pressure (P), Volume, and Quantity. If the temperature of the gas increases the gas expands thereby volume gets increased. Similarly, as temperature decreases volume also decreases due to the compression of gas molecules. An increase in temperature causes the gas to expand and so its pressure increases and vice versa. To convert gas into solid or liquid the temperature must be very low. Quantity and pressure are directly proportional to each other. As pressure is directly proportional to volume and quantity, pressure is increased by making quantity and volume high.

Q2. What is convection current?

Ans: The transformation of heat energy in the body may occur in three different methods. They are convection, conduction, and radiation. In the convection process, the heat energy is transferred by the movement of the particles in the material.

Q3. Does a lava lamp explode?

Ans: The lava lamp may get heated up to 140°F. If the lava lamp is too heated for high temperature or overloaded it may explode. It may be avoided if it is not made to place on heated objects like stoves or radiators.

Q4. What are the hazardous facts about lava lamps?

Ans: Some lava lamps use highly flammable liquids such as alcohol. This may lead to fire due to rupture. Some lava lamps use carbon tetrachloride which is poisonous. it will become dangerous if it is drunk by pets or children due to spilling or breaking of glass. A dose of 400mg/kg makes a cat to death. A dose of 40 mg/kg leads to the death of humans.

Q5. How to make a lava lamp?

Ans: Take a glass bottle and fill a quarter of the bottle with water. Then add food coloring to the water and mix it. Balance three-quarters of the bottle with vegetable oil. Half of the Effervescent tablet is added to the glass bottle containing the solution. Then place the glass bottle on the bulb or a flashlight. Then see the magic of lava lamps.