The motion of a candle flame in front of a loudspeaker has been suggested as a productive demonstration of the longitudinal wave nature of sound. The demonstration has been used also as a research tool to investigate students' understanding about sound. The underpinning of both applications is the expectation of a horizontal, back-and-forth vibration of the flame around its upright position. Unlike experts, who regularly anticipate this outcome, students with no previous formal knowledge typically anticipate that the flame will lean away from the speaker. (Contains 1 table and 12 figures.)