We use candles during religious services, while saying grace before dinner, and as decorative pieces in our homes. However, most of us don’t know much about the wax inside a candle or where it goes when the flame burns. We also don’t know much about the science behind a candle’s chemical reaction or the mechanics of how it produces light. This article will give you a deeper understanding of these important aspects of a candle and how to use them most effectively.
Wax is a solid substance that turns liquid when heated at high temperatures and then quickly resolidifies at room temperature. The type of wax a candle is made from determines its properties and characteristics. Beeswax and paraffin are commonly used for candles, but other types of wax are also available. Bayberry wax, for example, is derived from the fruit of the bayberry plant and has a distinct fragrance. Decorative candles may be made from any of these types of waxes, as well as synthetic materials such as polyethylene.
When a candle is lit, its flame generates heat that melts the wax around it. The wax that is melted forms a hollow space or tunnel that the flame travels through. This tunneling causes the light from a candle to become dimmer as time passes. The light from a candle eventually goes out when the wick reaches the bottom of the tunnel and no longer receives sufficient oxygen to continue burning. This is why a candle needs to be regularly replaced.