Cold Candle

DCS Code: 6A10.60 Last Updated: March 27, 2026
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Safety Warnings

Purpose

Demonstrates virtual image formation by plane reflection. A glass plate reflects the flame of a lit candle so that it appears to coincide with an unlit candle behind the glass, creating a "burning" candle that doesn't produce heat.

A hand touches the wick of the unlit candle behind a glass plate; the lit candle in front reflects in the glass, making both candles appear lit. A lead brick supports the glass.
Figure 1: The lit candle's reflection in the glass plate coincides with the unlit candle behind it. Touching the "burning" wick demonstrates that the flame is a virtual image.
Equipment