Firey break

Did the solid fuel tests over the past couple of days. Lots of fire and smoke, so I had to do it in the garage.

JSHS awaiting

Waiting to see if my paper for JSHS will be chosen to represent Lynbrook. Fingers crossed!

Hypothesis correct

Did the experiment yesterday. Based on the raw data, it seems that capsaicin makes things hotter, both taste-wise and ignition temperature-wise. Also, capsaicin candles ignite faster

Endurance testing

Tested how long the tealights would last today. The candle burned for over an hour before finally flickering out. A good thing, because I'll be doing time trials with these.

I MADE SCIOLY TEAM A

I GOT ONTO TEAM A FOR SCIENCE OLYMPIAD
YESSSSSS

Capsaicin extraction

The capsaicin is finally all extracted! Since I can't get it into 100% pure form, it came out as dark red clumps instead of white, salt-like crystals. It burns your eyes if you stand around it for too long.

Why does 90% pure capsaicin cost $500 a gram? Seriously, it's not like the extraction process is that difficult. Then again, I don't know how pure the product is with that method.