Ben Carter
A candle is a simple yet fascinating combination of wick and wax, typically made from paraffin. When lit, the wick heats the wax, turning it into a liquid which is then absorbed by the wick and vaporized. The wax vapour burns and keeps the candle alight. When a candle goes out, it is because one of the three requirements for combustion (fuel, oxygen, and heat) has been removed. The wax vapour, carbon dioxide, and water vapour cool and mix into the room, eventually dispersing into the atmosphere.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What happens when a candle burns | The wax melts and turns into a liquid state, which is then absorbed by the wick and vaporized. |
| The vaporized wax burns and produces carbon dioxide, water vapour, volatile organic compounds, and toxic gases. | |
| The carbon molecules that do not burn contribute to smoke and soot. | |
| What happens when a candle goes out | The combustion process stops when one of the three requirements (fuel, oxygen, or heat) is removed. |
| Blowing on a candle removes heat from the point of combustion, causing the flame to extinguish. | |
| The wax remaining after a candle goes out is in a liquid state. | |
| What happens to the molecules from a candle after it burns | The molecules mix with the air in the room and become indistinguishable from other molecules. |
| Over time, the molecules disperse into the atmosphere and spread around the globe. |
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What You'll Learn
What happens when a candle burns
A candle is mainly made of paraffin wax, a hydrocarbon and petroleum byproduct. When a candle burns, several processes occur simultaneously. Firstly, the wick, which is lit, begins to heat up the wax, melting it and turning it into a liquid. The liquid wax is then absorbed by the wick, which vaporizes it. The wax vapour is what burns and keeps the candle lit.
As the candle burns, it gradually diminishes in size until little or no wax remains. The wax vapour, along with the carbon dioxide and water vapour produced by the burning candle, cools and mixes into the air in the room. Over time, as the air in the room is exchanged with outdoor air, the molecules from the candle escape and begin to disperse into the atmosphere. Within a year, atoms from the candle will have spread around the globe, and people everywhere will be inhaling a few carbon atoms from the wax and oxygen atoms from the room.
It is important to note that candles should not be burned down completely. Candles cause nearly 10,000 house fires a year, and if the wax level drops too low, the flame can ignite debris or cause the glass to shatter if it comes into contact with it. Therefore, it is recommended to dispose of candles when the wax level falls below half an inch.
Additionally, while candles create a cosy atmosphere, they also release volatile organic compounds and toxic gases. Around the edges of the flame, clumps of carbon molecules are expelled, contributing to smoke and soot. These particles can be harmful, causing indoor air pollution. Thus, while enjoyable, candles should be used with caution and in well-ventilated spaces.
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The chemical composition of candles
A candle consists of two main parts: wax and wick. The wax acts as the candle's fuel, and the wick, made of cotton, ignites and burns the wax. The wick's flame melts the wax at its base, turning it into a liquid. The liquid wax is then absorbed by the wick and vaporized. The wax vapour then burns and keeps the candle lit. When a candle burns, it also produces carbon dioxide, water vapour, volatile organic compounds, and toxic gases.
Over time, candles have been made from a variety of materials, including fats, oils, and waxy substances derived from animals, insects, plants, and rocks. The Ancient Egyptians and Romans used tallow from animals, while the Chinese used beeswax as early as the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD). In the Middle Ages, beeswax was introduced to Europe, but its expense limited its use. During this time, the typical candle wax in Europe and the Americas was tallow. In the 18th century, the whaling industry led to the development of spermaceti wax, which became the primary candle fuel until the mid-1800s.
Today, candles are primarily made from paraffin wax, a byproduct of petroleum refining. Paraffin wax is a hydrocarbon, meaning it has a carbon and hydrogen structure. It is solid at room temperature and burns at high temperatures. Other types of waxes used in candles include beeswax, stearin wax (derived from fatty acids), and plant-based waxes like soybean, carnauba, and palm wax. These waxes may be combined with colourants and fragrances, derived from essential oils or synthetic aroma chemicals, to create scented candles.
When a candle burns, the carbon dioxide and water vapour mix into the air and become indistinguishable from other molecules. Over time, these molecules disperse into the atmosphere and spread globally. While the candle burns, clumps of carbon molecules are released, contributing to smoke and soot. These carbon emissions are a natural part of the combustion process and are comparable to the carbon dioxide exhaled by a person in the room.
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How to maintain a stable flame
A candle is a simple yet fascinating chemical process that has been studied by scientists for hundreds of years. The flame of a candle is a delicate balance of fuel, oxygen, and heat. Here are some tips on how to maintain a stable flame:
Firstly, understand the basic components of a candle. A candle consists of two main parts: the wax and the wick. The wax is the fuel, and it needs to be heated to a high temperature to melt and vaporize. The wick, when lit, provides the initial heat source to melt the wax at the base and start the combustion process.
To maintain a stable flame, ensure adequate oxygen supply. The oxygen in the air is crucial for combustion. Place the candle in a well-ventilated area, away from any containers or obstacles that might restrict airflow. This will help prevent the flame from going out due to insufficient oxygen.
Use a suitable wax type. Different types of wax have varying combustion properties. Paraffin wax, a common candle wax, burns intensely and requires high temperatures to ignite. Beeswax is another option, but it may have different burning characteristics. Choose a wax type that is easy to ignite and maintain a stable flame.
Maintain the wick's health. A poorly made or damaged wick can cause the flame to go out. Ensure the wick is trimmed to the appropriate length, and that it is centred and upright. A well-maintained wick will provide a consistent source of heat to melt the wax.
Finally, be mindful of the surrounding environment. A draft or strong airflow can cool the point of combustion and extinguish the flame. Keep the candle away from fans, open windows, or other sources of strong airflow. Similarly, protect the flame from moisture, as water can interfere with the combustion process.
By following these steps and understanding the science behind candle combustion, you can create and maintain a stable flame while enjoying the beauty and ambiance of a burning candle.
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Why a candle flame goes out
A candle flame goes out when one of the three things needed for combustion is removed. These three things are fuel, oxygen, and heat. This is known as the triangle of combustion, and if any one of these sides is removed, the fire will be extinguished.
The wax and the wick of a candle work together. The wick, when lit, begins to heat up the wax and turn it into a liquid. The liquid wax then gets absorbed by the wick and vaporizes. The wax vapour burns and keeps the candle lit. When you blow out a candle, you will notice a stream of white smoke leaving the wick. This is because blowing on a candle extinguishes it by providing a sudden rush of air that is sufficient to rapidly cool the point of combustion.
The type of wax can also be a reason why a candle flame goes out. For example, paraffin wax, which candles are mainly made of, will burn on its own but needs to be very hot for combustion to begin. If the wax is difficult to ignite, the candle flame will go out.
The oxygen supply to the candle flame is also important. The blue outer edge of the flame is the hottest part, reaching 1400°C, because it directly meets with the oxygen in the air. If the candle is in a vessel that does not allow adequate oxygen to enter the burn area, the flame will go out.
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The history of candle research
The study of candles has a long and fascinating history, with scientists intrigued by their chemical and physical properties for hundreds of years. In 1860, Michael Faraday gave a famous lecture series on the "Chemical History of a Candle", highlighting dozens of scientific principles observable through simple candle experiments.
One of the fundamental questions in candle research is the chemical process of combustion. When a candle is lit, the flame's high heat melts the wax at the base of the wick, which is then absorbed by the wick and vaporized. This wax vapour, or paraffin vapour, burns and acts as fuel to keep the candle lit. The combustion process requires fuel, oxygen, and heat, and the removal of any one of these elements will extinguish the flame.
Candles also produce carbon dioxide, water vapour, volatile organic compounds, and toxic gases. The carbon molecules are flung away from the flame before they finish burning, contributing to smoke and soot. These molecules mix with the air in the room and eventually disperse into the atmosphere. Over time, these atoms can spread around the globe, becoming present in the air we breathe.
The unique shape of a candle flame has also sparked scientific interest. The flame's teardrop shape is due to the convection current of upward-moving air around it, influenced by the earth's gravity. Scientists have wondered how this dynamic would change in outer space, where gravity is minimal.
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Frequently asked questions
When a candle is extinguished, a stream of white smoke is released from the wick.
The white smoke is made of wax vapour. The wax vapour is what burns and keeps the candle lit.
The wax vapour cools and mixes with the air in the room, becoming indistinguishable from other CO₂ and water vapour molecules.
Over time, the molecules from the candle will escape the room and begin to disperse into the atmosphere. After about a year, they will have spread around the globe.
