Lava lamps are heated using an incandescent light bulb located at the base of the lamp.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
- Light Bulb as the Heat Source: The primary function of the light bulb in a lava lamp isn't just to provide light; it's the primary heat source. Typically, a 25- to 40-watt incandescent bulb is used.
- Heat Transfer: The heat from the bulb is transferred to the denser, wax-like substance at the bottom of the lamp.
- Density Changes: As the wax heats up, its density decreases. Hot wax becomes less dense than the surrounding liquid.
- Convection Current: The decrease in density causes the heated wax to rise to the top of the lamp. As it rises, it cools, becoming denser again.
- The Cycle Continues: The cooled wax then sinks back down to the bottom, where it is reheated, and the cycle repeats, creating the characteristic "lava" motion.
In summary, the heat from the incandescent light bulb at the base of the lava lamp warms the wax, causing it to become less dense and rise. As it cools and becomes denser again, it sinks, creating a continuous convective flow.
