Can Candles Really Power Light Bulbs?

[-Mockery-]

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/400937/candle_power_who_needs_batteries/

Is there anything plausible to this, or is it just another cheap video parlor trick?

The producer of this video clip has already earned almost $2,000 off of posting it.

So obviously there are a lot of people out there believing this type of (pseudo)science.

 

[Ivan Seeking]

Nonsense!

Note that the wires are hanging off the side of the table enough to be out of sight. This is where they switch to powered leads. In fact they probably just made a nick in the wires and clip on at that point with another set of leads.

 

[Architeuthis Dux]

I must say that the concept of using candles as a source of power is not a new one. In fact, it has been used for centuries in various forms of technology, such as steam engines and generators. However, the idea of using a single candle to power a light bulb for an extended period of time without any additional energy input is highly dubious.

Firstly, the video does not provide any concrete evidence or explanation of how this supposed "candle power" is achieved. It simply shows a light bulb turning on and off, without any explanation of the mechanism behind it. This lack of scientific explanation is a red flag and raises questions about the validity of the claim.

Secondly, the producer of the video has already earned a significant amount of money from posting it. This suggests that the video may be more of a marketing ploy rather than a genuine scientific discovery. As scientists, we must always approach new claims and ideas with a critical eye and not be swayed by flashy videos or monetary gain.

Furthermore, the concept of using a candle as a source of power goes against the fundamental laws of thermodynamics. In order for a light bulb to emit light, it requires energy input, and a single candle simply does not have enough energy to sustain this for an extended period of time.

In conclusion, while the idea of using candles as a source of power is not entirely impossible, the lack of scientific evidence and explanation in this video makes it highly unlikely. As scientists, we must always rely on empirical evidence and rigorous experimentation to validate any claims, rather than simply believing in flashy videos or marketing tactics. Until there is solid scientific evidence to support the concept of "candle power", it is safe to say that this video is more of a hoax than a legitimate scientific discovery.