The document describes how the Olympic torch is lit without using any flames. Light rays from the sun reflect off a parabolic mirror and converge at a focal point, concentrating the light and generating enough heat energy at that point to cause the torch to burst into flames when placed there. The torch is lit using this principle of reflected and focused sunlight.

1. Activity
The Olympic
torch…
…is lit using no
flames.
How is it done?
© Snapshot Science, 2012 Image: Jon candy @Flickr

2. Activity
How is the Olympic torch lit?
© Snapshot Science, 2012 Image: Waerfelu @wikipedia commons

3. Activity
• Complete the
diagram.
• Use it, and the
keywords below, to
explain how the
torch is lit.
Keywords: parabolic mirror, Sun, light rays, reflection, focal
point, heat energy
© Snapshot Science, 2012

4. Activity
Light rays from the
Sun reflect off the
parabolic mirror.
Because of the shape
of the mirror the rays
meet at a focal
point.
The light is
concentrated at this
point. When the torch
is placed here there is
enough heat energy
to cause it to burst
into flames.
Keywords: parabolic mirror, Sun, light rays, reflection, focal
point, heat energy
© Snapshot Science, 2012