Lavalaitteiston

Lavalaitteiston refers to the equipment and systems used in a lava lamp. These are primarily composed of a heat source, a liquid, and a wax-like substance. The heat source is typically an incandescent light bulb located at the base of the lamp. This bulb generates enough heat to warm the liquid and wax. The liquid inside the lamp is usually a mixture of water and a chemical such as propylene glycol or mineral oil, chosen for its specific density and refractive properties. The wax-like substance, often a paraffin-based wax, is a key component. It is denser than the liquid at room temperature but becomes less dense as it heats up.

The operation of a lava lamp relies on the principle of convection and density changes. As the bulb heats the wax at the bottom, it melts and expands, becoming less dense than the surrounding liquid. This causes the warmed wax to rise in blobs or streams. As the wax ascends towards the cooler top of the lamp, it cools, becomes denser again, and sinks back down to be reheated. This continuous cycle of heating, rising, cooling, and sinking creates the distinctive mesmerizing movement of the "lava." The glass container, often a tall, conical, or cylindrical shape, houses the liquid and wax and allows the visual display to be observed. The base provides structural support and contains the electrical components for the bulb.