Lava Lamp FAQ
Lava lamps, or motion lamps, are a modern cultural phenomenon. Introduced into the mainstream during the 1960s, the decorative lights containing the ever-changing globs of 'lava' remain a popular choice for illuminating the teenage bedrooms and dorm rooms of the Western world.
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Who Invented the Lava Lamp?
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The lava lamp was engineered by Englishman Edward Craven-Walker in the 1960s. Originally called the Astro Lite, the lamp was not an immediate success.
How Does It Work?
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The 'lava' inside the lamp is solid at room temperature, but liquid when heated; however, it will not dissolve in water. So as the lava material melts near the bottom of the lamp, it becomes lighter than the water surrounding it and floats to the top.
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What's Inside the Lava Lamp?
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Lava lamps contain no actual lava. Instead they are filled with a combination of waxes and water.
Why Don't They Fill the Lamp All the Way?
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When things heat up, they get bigger. The space at the top of the lamp allows for the safe expansion of materials contained inside.
Why Isn't the Lava Moving?
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Be patient. It can take a while for the 'lava' to get warm enough to move. However, if there are no signs of life in a lamp that has been plugged in for more than 4 hours, the heating element may be defective or the lightbulb may be burned out.
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References
- Photo Credit wikimedia commons
