Flying Tea Bag

An emptied tea bag is set on fire, and as it burns, hot air rises through convection. Once the bag becomes light enough, it is lifted into the air by the rising column of hot gases, demonstrating the principle behind hot air balloons.

1. Cut open a tea bag and empty out the tea.
2. Unfold the tea bag and shape it into a cylinder.
3. Stand the cylinder upright on a non-flammable surface, such as a ceramic plate.
4. Use a match or lighter to carefully ignite the top of the tea bag.
5. Watch as the flame burns downward, producing hot air that rises.
6. When the tea bag is light enough, it is carried upwards in the convection current.

How to Make Tea Bag Rockets - DaveHax:

Home Experiment: Flying Tea Bag - ThirstForScience:

📄 Make a tea bag rocket - Fizzics Education: https://www.fizzicseducation.com.au/150-science-experiments/space-science-projects/make-a-tea-bag-rocket/?srsltid=AfmBOop-YtV1oFbAHTVeysJjSVwJ4M9EbYMQS4xlliHXmHb0rVC_XedZ

• Try using different brands of tea bags to see if shape or thickness affects flight.
• Test outdoors in calm conditions to observe higher flights.
• Compare this with a small tissue paper cylinder to see if the effect works with other lightweight paper.
• Shine a flashlight or use a thermal camera to better visualize the convection current.

• Adult supervision required - fire hazard.
• Perform on a fireproof surface away from flammable materials.
• Keep a bowl of water or fire extinguisher nearby in case of accidents.
• Do not attempt outdoors in windy conditions where the burning paper may drift.
• Allow the surface to cool after the experiment before touching.

• Why does the tea bag rise after burning instead of just falling as ash?
• What role does convection play in this experiment?
• How is this similar to how a hot air balloon works?
• Why does the tea bag need to be emptied before the experiment?
• What happens if the air around the tea bag is disturbed while it is burning?